Madhya Pradesh is reallocating funds originally designated for the welfare of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) under a centrally funded sub-plan to develop religious sites, museums, and cow welfare, according to documents reviewed by HT and government officials.
This diversion has sparked concerns among activists who argue that such reallocations do not benefit the SC/ST communities.
A state finance department official acknowledged the unusual nature of this reallocation but claimed that SC/ST communities would indirectly benefit from these expenditures. However, state finance minister Jagdish Devda declined to comment on the matter.
Documents reveal that out of ₹252 crore allocated for cow welfare, ₹95.76 crore has been drawn from the SC/ST sub-plan. Additionally, nearly half of the funds for the redevelopment of six religious sites come from the SC/ST sub-plan. These sites include Shri Devi Mahalok in Salkanpur, Saint Shri Ravidas Mahalok in Sagar, Shri Ram Raja Mahalok in Orchha, Shri Ramchandra Vanvasi-Mahalok in Chitrakut, and a memorial for former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Gwalior.
Madhya Pradesh follows Karnataka, which recently diverted ₹14,000 crore from the SC/ST sub-plan for other schemes, prompting the National Commission for Scheduled Castes to issue a show cause notice to Karnataka’s chief secretary.
The SC sub-plan was introduced in 1974 and the ST sub-plan in 1979-80 to fulfill Article 46 of the Constitution, which mandates states to promote the education and economic interests of weaker sections. The Central Government provides 100% special assistance for these sub-plans.
The finance department official explained that using SC/ST sub-plan funds for general infrastructure is an exception and that SC/ST communities would benefit directly or indirectly. He added that under the budgetary system, transferring SC/ST sub-plan funds to the general sub-plan is permissible as needed.
A tribal department officer, who requested anonymity, stated that the religious corridors and museums would create employment opportunities for people of all categories, including SC/ST, and promote tribal traditions through artwork.
However, experts and activists criticized the diversion as a misuse of the Central scheme. Tribal affairs expert Vinesh Jha noted that it violates guidelines established by the Planning Commission, which require SC/ST sub-plan funds to be used exclusively for schemes benefiting SC/ST individuals or communities.
Jha said that using these funds for temples, museums, and cow shelters is not justifiable. Activist Vikram Achaliya supported Jha’s view, arguing that cow welfare does not contribute to SC/ST development and that reallocating these funds is a direct misuse by the government.
