Sat Mar 01 16:45:59 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Minister Defends Use of SC/ST Funds for Guarantee Schemes

**Kalaburagi, March 1, 2025** – Karnataka’s Kannada and Culture Minister, Shivaraj Tangadagi, has defended the government’s use of Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) funds to finance its flagship guarantee schemes. He dismissed BJP criticism alleging “diversion” of funds, arguing that the money is still benefiting SC and ST communities through the schemes.

Tangadagi stated that it is not illegal to utilize SCSP-TSP funds for the development of SCs and STs via the guarantee schemes, highlighting that the Congress government introduced the SCSP and TSP, reserving 24.1% of the state budget for SC/ST development. He challenged the BJP to demand the cancellation of the guarantee schemes if they opposed them, rather than focusing on the method of funding.

Responding to questions about accurately tracking funds spent on SCs and STs within schemes like the Shakti scheme (free bus travel for women), Tangadagi stated that this could be calculated proportionally. He invited the BJP to raise these questions in the legislature.

He further challenged the BJP to urge the central government to allocate a similar percentage of the Union Budget (24.1%) for SC/ST development, mirroring Karnataka’s initiative. The BJP is holding a meeting on Sunday to discuss the issue, with participation expected from some Dalit organizations. The minister’s statements come amidst planned BJP agitations against the alleged misallocation of SCSP and TSP funds.

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