Tue Jul 15 15:06:06 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a news article based on that summary:

**Summary:**

Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan chaired a meeting in Puducherry to review the implementation of welfare schemes for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities. He instructed officials to ensure full utilization of the Special Component Fund allocated for SC/ST welfare before the end of the fiscal year. During the meeting, the Adi Dravidar department reported that it has already allocated 24% of its budget as Special Component Fund for SC welfare, far exceeding the NITI Aayog guidelines. The Lt. Governor also emphasized the need to expedite the issuance of land titles to landless beneficiaries and to improve facilities and enrollment in hostels for SC/ST students. The meeting also addressed the speedy resolution of cases registered under the Prevention of Atrocities Act.

**News Article:**

**Puducherry Lt. Governor Urges 100% Utilization of SC/ST Welfare Funds**

**PUDUCHERRY, July 15, 2025** – Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan has directed Puducherry officials to prioritize the full utilization of funds earmarked for the welfare of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities before the end of the current fiscal year. The directive was issued during a review meeting held at Raj Nivas, attended by Gudey Srinivas, Secretary of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), Sharat Chauhan, Chief Secretary, and other key officials.

The Lt. Governor emphasized the importance of evaluating the implementation status of various schemes and addressing any gaps in expenditure to ensure that all allocated funds are effectively used for flagship proposals and essential welfare measures.

A. Muthamma, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Adi Dravidar department, reported that 24% of the department’s budget (₹525 crore out of ₹2,176 crore) has been allocated as the Special Component Fund for SC welfare. This exceeds the 16% guideline recommended by NITI Aayog. The department aims to achieve 100% utilization of the special fund this year, building on a 91% utilization rate in the previous fiscal year.

Kailashnathan also instructed officials to expedite the issuance of land titles (pattas) to landless beneficiaries in Manapet and TN Palayam by the end of the month. Other initiatives discussed included the construction of additional hostels for SC/ST students in urban areas, efforts to increase student enrollment in rural hostels, and measures to expedite the resolution of cases registered under the Prevention of Atrocities Act.

The meeting was attended by S. Ravivarman, NCSC director in Chennai, A. Ilangovane, Department Director and D.Manikandan, Secretary to Lt. Governor

The Lt. Governor’s focus on maximizing the impact of welfare funds underscores the administration’s commitment to uplifting marginalized communities in Puducherry.

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