Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday held a review of the Social Welfare d🌳epartment and expressed displeasure over the delay in fundꦆ utilisation, issuing firm instructions to officials.
The CM🅘 "reprimanded" officials for the habit of spending funds only at the end of the financial year, his office said.
Of the Rs 5,377 crore budget allocated to the department for 2024-25, Rs 3,631⛄ crore has been released, but only Rs 2,892 crore has been ut♈ilised so far, the CMO said in a release.
Siddaramaiah instructed Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh to take action against officials delaying fuℱnd utilisation.
The CM emphasised the need for officials to work with a commitment to benefit marginalised communities and ensജure timely implementation of all schemes. He warned of strict action against inefficiency or negligence in delivering government benefits, the release added.
The CM highlౠighted that corpora🎃tions such as Ambedkar Corporation (Rs 900 crore) and Bhovi Corporation (Rs 107 crore) have not utilised funds meant for beneficiaries.
He said that Managing Directors of corporations failing to spend the allocated funds will face immediate suspension. "🐼Notices will be served if no proper explanation is provꦗided."
Noting that pre-matric scholarships must be disbursed by September🥃 and post-matric scholarships by November every year, the CM also said that Aadhaar-related delays must be avoided, and all students should be linked to Aadhaar without fail.
Of the Rs 164 crore allocated for pre-matric scholarships, Rs 105 crore has b𝄹een utilised. Post-matric scholarships, with an allocation of Rs 230 crore, 🐼have been fully utilised, it said.
