SCSP TSP fund diversion allegations in Karnataka prompt BJP call for Centre audit

Senior BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy has urged the Centre to intervene over alleged diversion of Karnataka SCSP and TSP allocations to fund state guarantee schemes. In letters to Union Minister Virendra Kumar and committee chairperson Faggan Singh Kulaste, he sought an audit for the past three financial years and cited diversion claims of Rs 53,059.45 crore.

Senior BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy urged the Centre to step in over alleged misuse of welfare funds in Karnataka. Narayanaswamy alleged money meant for SCSP and TSP was used elsewhere. Narayanaswamy said the funds supported state guarantee schemes. Narayanaswamy said these schemes were not limited to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Narayanaswamy, the Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, raised the issue in formal letters. Narayanaswamy wrote to Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar. Narayanaswamy also wrote to Faggan Singh Kulaste. Kulaste chairs the Parliamentary Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

SCSP and TSP funds: Alleged diversion and amount

In the letter, Narayanaswamy said the diversion raised legal and constitutional questions. Narayanaswamy also called it an ethical concern. Narayanaswamy alleged the total diversion was Rs 53,059.45 crore. Narayanaswamy said this occurred across 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2026-27. Narayanaswamy stated in the letter: "It has come to light that substantial amounts from the SCSP Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan SCSP and Tribal Sub-Plan TSP allocations have allegedly been utilised to finance universal guarantee schemes that are not exclusively targeted towards Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes,\"

SCSP and TSP funds: Audit request and legal checks

Narayanaswamy asked the Centre to order a detailed audit in Karnataka. Narayanaswamy sought checks of SCSP and TSP allocations and spending. Narayanaswamy said this should cover the last three financial years. Narayanaswamy also asked if spending matched the Karnataka SCSP/TSP Act, 2013. Narayanaswamy referred to the constitutional framework for SC and ST welfare.

SCSP and TSP funds: Stop diversion and restore money

Narayanaswamy urged directions to halt any spending not aiding SC and ST communities. Narayanaswamy also sought the return of allegedly diverted amounts. Narayanaswamy said the money should go back to Social Welfare and Tribal Welfare Departments. Narayanaswamy asked for budgetary corrections to enable this restoration. Narayanaswamy linked the request to the alleged funding of guarantee schemes.

SCSP and TSP funds: Independent review and monitoring

Narayanaswamy sought an independent committee to review implementation in Karnataka. Narayanaswamy suggested members from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Narayanaswamy also named the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Narayanaswamy asked for constitutional experts and SC and ST community members. Narayanaswamy also called for tighter monitoring and accountability to prevent future diversion.

With inputs from PTI