Question : RELEASE OF ALLOCATED FUNDS

(a) whether the Union Government has not released the allocated funds to the States under various welfare schemes for tribals during each of the last three years and the current year;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor ;

(c) whether the Union Government has prescribed any time limit for release of the said funds;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps taken by the Union Government to ensure the timely release of allocated funds to states?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS(SHRI MAHADEO SINGH KHANDELA)

(a)&(b) : Ministry of Tribal Affairs implements various Central Sector/Centrally Sponsored Schemes/Special Area Programmes for the welfare and socio-economic development of tribal people in the country. The fund released under these schemes/programmes of the Ministry in the last three years and current year are given in Annexure. Release of funds to the States / UTs under the schemes / programmes of the Ministry depends on the receipt of complete proposals from the States/UTs in time, alongwith the utilization certificate, progress report etc. conforming to the guidelines of the schemes / programmes.

(c)&(d): Budgeting for a scheme is an annual exercise and the funds are accordingly released during the financial year.

(e) : To ensure timely release of allocated funds to State/UT Governments under various schemes/programmes of the Ministry, following measures are taken :-

(i) In the beginning of the financial year all State Governments/ UT Administrations are requested to ensure timely submission of proposals complete in all respects and accompanied by physical/financial report of previous releases.

(ii) Review meetings are held with the State Governments/ UT Administrations officials.

(iii) Regular follow-up is done through letters, telephone, reminders etc.  

(iv) Officers visit the States/UTs.