The Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment, headed by BJP MP Dara Singh Chauhan, has in its 26th report on the Minority Affairs Ministry tabled in Lok Sabha said that it was "not convinced" with the ministry's explanation for the shortfall in expenditure.
Declaration of elections in four states and enforcement of Model Code of Conduct in these states were among the reasons cited for the shortfall by the ministry.
"The Model Code of Conduct for election comes in the way of new schemes only and does not affect ongoing schemes and does not affect ongoing schemes," the committee said.
It noted that out of total budgetary allocation of Rs 2,866 crore during the fiscal 2011-12, the actual expenditure by the ministry has only been Rs 2,306.76 crore and as such Rs 559.24 crore could not be utilised.
Expressing "serious concern" over the "trend of under utilisation" of funds, the Committee asked the ministry to analyse the implementation of various schemes so that budgetary allocations are effectively utilised.
The Committee also said that it was "deeply anguished" that the scheme for Leadership Development of Minority Women, which was first proposed in 2009-10 has still not been implemented as yet.
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The panel also expressed surprise as how could the National Minority Development Corporation (NMDFC) in absence of accurate data could assess that 38 percent of people have crossed the double poverty line, the ground for providing concessional finance for self-employment to minorities.
It recommended that the ministry should get a survey done by Planning Commission of National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) so that the exact number of right beneficiaries could be identified and benefit. (More) PTI AMR SMI RAI