‘Robust monitoring needed to ensure SC/ST sub-plan funds reach intended beneficiaries’

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Social Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar have directed officials to ensure effective utilisation of funds earmarked under the SC/ST Sub-Plan and to see that welfare and development benefits reach every eligible Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) family in the State.

At a review meeting held at the Secretariat on Thursday, the Ministers stressed the need for a robust monitoring mechanism to ensure that Special Development Funds meant for the socio-economic advancement of SCs and STs are utilised strictly for their intended purpose, without any diversion.

Mr. Vikramarka instructed officials to comprehensively document the benefits accruing to SC and ST farmers through government programmes such as Rythu Bharosa, subsidised seed distribution and agricultural mechanisation initiatives. He also asked departments to explore alternative mechanisms wherever existing guidelines were hindering the optimal utilisation of Sub-Plan funds and to formulate proposals for targeted interventions that would provide greater support to eligible farmers from the two communities.

Mr. Laxman Kumar reiterated that funds allocated for SC and ST development should not be diverted under any circumstances. He called for continuous monitoring of department-wise expenditure, beneficiary coverage and the physical progress of works to ensure that every rupee spent under the Sub-Plan translated into tangible benefits for the intended communities.

Officials informed the meeting that district Collectors had identified around 1,300 acres of vacant government land across the State. Mr Bhatti asked departments to examine proposals for land acquisition wherever required to provide house sites to families without residential plots.

Published - October 29, 2026 08:40 pm IST