Majority of the states are slow in implementing their respective scheduled caste sub-plan (SCSP) as the funds allocated to them still remain untilised and second insrallment has not been sought, according to sources.
As per this plan, states and Union Territories are required to formulate and implement welfare schemes specifically for scheduled castes as part of their annual plans by earmarking resources.
At present, 27 states and Union Territories, having sizable SC population, are implementing the scheduled caste sub-plan for which Social Justice Ministry allocates funds.
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"Majority of states have not sought second installment from central assistance for implementation of their respective schedule caste sub-plan, while the funds which were allocated at the start of the year are still lying unutilised with them," a source said.
As part of Union Budget, Rs 800 crore were allocated to the Department of Social Justice, of which, sizable amount is still lying with it.
There are many welfare schemes initiated either by the Centre or different states, in which there are specific components for welfare of schedules castes. But, even then funds are not being utilised, a source added.
The Social Justice Ministry has written to all the state governments asking them to utilise these funds and submit the utilisation report to the ministry.
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