AP: SC Sub-Plan Funds of Rs 20,643 Cr to Be Utilised by January

Vijayawada:While the Andhra Pradesh government has allocated Rs 20,643 crore under the Scheduled Castes (SC) Sub-Plan for the current financial year, all departments have been directed to ensure 100 per cent utilisation of the funds by January.

This was stated on Thursday by social welfare minister Dola Sri Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy at a meeting of the SC sub-plan nodal agency at the state secretariat. He reviewed the department-wise utilisation of the funds and sought details from officials on the expenditure incurred so far.

Swamy said every department must prepare a comprehensive action plan to ensure timely and effective utilisation of the allocated funds. The government would not tolerate any misuse or diversion of SC sub-plan funds.

The minister stressed that every rupee allocated under the SC sub-plan must be spent exclusively for the welfare and development of Scheduled Castes, in accordance with the objectives of the scheme. Officials must make effective use of central government schemes and funds to maximise benefits for SC communities, he stressed.

Swamy said the government is committed to ensuring the all-round development of Scheduled Castes and urged officials to work with sincerity and dedication to fulfil that vision.

Among those present at the meeting were social welfare department director Lavanya Veni, fisheries ex-officio commissioner Ram Shankar Naik, director of women, children and senior citizens welfare Venugopal Reddy, LIDCAP managing director Prasanna Venkatesh, commissioner and director of municipal administration Sampath Kumar, along with senior officials from various departments.