NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana Issues Notice to Karnataka Government Over Fund Diversion

The National Commission for Schedule Castes (NCSC) has taken action against the Karnataka Government for allegedly diverting funds meant for the welfare of scheduled castes. NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana stated that this move is unconstitutional and has demanded a detailed report from the Karnataka Government within seven days.

Kishor Makwana, the Chairman of NCSC, said, “Karnataka Government has misused and diverted the funds allocated for the Schedule Castes of the states. This move of Karnataka’s Congress government is unconstitutional and against the welfare of the scheduled castes. In this regard, the National Commission for Schedule Castes has taken a suo-motto cognizance and issued a notice to the Karnataka government. The commissions have given a time of 7 days to the government to submit their answer in this regard. If the government fails to give answers, then we will take stricter actions against this unconstitutional move.”

In response, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar defended the government’s actions, stating, “We have brought a law, whatever money we are spending, we are spending to the same community people, like this percentage of money we are going to spend on the concerned. First, it was brought in Andhra Pradesh, then we have brought it. There is nothing wrong in it.”

Earlier this year, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented the 15th consecutive budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, emphasizing social welfare and minority empowerment. The budget allocated Rs 39,121 crore under the Karnataka Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Sub-Plan scheme, with Rs 27,674 crore for the Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan and Rs 11,448 crore for the Scheduled Tribes Sub-Plan. Additionally, Rs 2,710 crore was allocated for the construction of residential schools and hostels to provide quality education and accommodation for students from these communities.