Question : Unspent Balance

(a) whether the funds allocated by the Government for the welfare of the Scheduled Castes are not fully utilised by the State Governments due to which the unutilised funds are returned to the Government;

(b) if so, the funds allocated under various schemes for the Welfare of Scheduled Castes (SCs) during each of the last three years and current year and details of unspent funds refunded back to the Centre during the said period, State-wise;

(c) the reasons for underutilisation of funds; and

(d) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to ensure timely and full utilisation of the allocated funds as well as timely execution of the scheme/ programmes by the States/UTs?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
(SHRI VIJAY SAMPLA)
(a) & (b): Funds which remain unutilized by the States in Financial year are not returned to the Government and are utilized in the subsequent financial year. The Central Government releases funds after adjusting outstanding balances of the States.
(c): The reasons for underutilization of funds are (i) submission of incomplete proposals (ii) delay in verification of eligibility documents (iii) lack of coordination amongst implementing agencies (iv) non releases of funds in a time-bound manner.
(d): Utilization of funds by States is monitored periodically through meetings and submission of reports. States have been directed to do Direct Benefit Transfer into beneficiary accounts to ensure speedy disbursement and utilization of funds.