Group of Ministers to review implementation of schemes for SC ST CM Shivakumar

Bengaluru, Nov 12 (PTI) Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday said a group of ministers headed by Deputy CM G Parameshwara would review the implementation of schemes under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Scheduled Tribe Sub-Plan (TSP), including possible changes to existing schemes and reallocation of funds.

    The group has been asked to examine duplication of benefits, the need for new schemes and the functioning of hostels, and submit a report within the next two to three days after consulting the Finance Department.

    "Our government's intention has always been to ensure that the funds allocated for SC/ST welfare are spent properly and that the benefits reach everyone entitled to them. I am happy to reiterate that our government is committed to this objective," Shivakumar told reporters after a meeting with the group of ministers here.

    He said most of the proposals had been approved, but some would be revisited to assess whether existing schemes needed modification or whether certain schemes were necessary.

    On backlog vacancies, Shivakumar said 19,115 vacancies had been identified between 2001 and 2025, of which 17,793 have been filled, leaving 1,574 posts vacant. The government would take steps to fill the remaining vacancies, he said.

    "The group of ministers will decide on the recruitment process to be followed, including the reappropriation of funds allocated to various departments," he said.

    The government has also decided to organise an SC/ST convention to highlight its commitments and the promises made before the elections, as well as their implementation.

    "It is our responsibility to communicate to the people what commitments we have made, what promises we gave before the elections and which of those promises we have fulfilled," he said, adding that Parameshwara would also brief the government on the proposed SC/ST Vision Group.

    On education, Shivakumar said the government was considering changes to uniforms provided to students in government schools and hostels from the next academic year.

    "Even if it costs a little more, that is not a concern. Children should get good-quality uniforms and look smart. Children studying in government schools should also look equally good," he said.

    He said the Education Department had been asked to submit suggestions on improving uniform colours and designs, taking private schools as a reference.

    Emphasising transparency in the implementation of welfare schemes, the chief minister said every beneficiary should be documented through photographs, videos and proper records to prevent duplication and ensure equitable distribution of benefits.

    He said the committee had agreed to a suggestion by Parameshwara for a special audit to assess expenditure over the years and determine how many people's lives had been transformed through the schemes.

    Shivakumar also said he would request the PM to include the decision to increase the reservation quota for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution.

"If a meeting with the Prime Minister is possible, this matter will be discussed," CM D K Shivakumar stated.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)