Karnataka Govt To Review SC/ST Welfare Schemes, Examine Fund Reallocation

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday said a Group of Ministers headed by Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara would review the implementation of welfare schemes under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Scheduled Tribe Sub-Plan (TSP), including possible modifications to existing programmes and reallocation of funds.

The committee has been asked to examine duplication of benefits, identify the need for new schemes and review the functioning of hostels. It will submit its report within the next two to three days after consulting the Finance Department.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the ministers, Shivakumar said the government was committed to ensuring that funds allocated for SC/ST welfare were properly utilised and reached all eligible beneficiaries.

On backlog vacancies, he said 19,115 vacancies had been identified between 2001 and 2025, of which 17,793 had been filled, leaving 1,574 posts vacant. The government would take steps to fill the remaining positions, with the committee examining the recruitment process and fund allocation.

The government has also decided to organise an SC/ST convention to highlight its pre-election commitments and the progress made in fulfilling them. Parameshwara will also brief the government on the proposed SC/ST Vision Group.

Shivakumar said the government was considering improving the quality, colours and designs of uniforms provided to students in government schools and hostels from the next academic year, adding that the department had been asked to submit suggestions.

Emphasising transparency, he said beneficiaries would be documented through photographs, videos and proper records to prevent duplication. The ministers have also agreed to a proposal for a special audit to assess past expenditure and determine how many lives have been transformed through the welfare schemes.

Shivakumar further said he would request Prime Minister Narendra Modi to include the decision to increase SC/ST reservation quotas in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution, if a meeting with him could be arranged.