PANAJI
In a strong move to tighten oversight and prevent diversion of Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) funds, the State government has issued strict directions to all line departments to ensure that allocations under the TSP strictly adhere to NITI Aayog guidelines and directly benefit the Scheduled Tribes (ST) population.
Taking serious note of the discrepancy, the government has now made it mandatory for all departments to obtain prior approval from the tribal welfare department before proposing any new scheme, amendment, project or development work under the TSP. This approval must be secured before administrative and expenditure sanctions are granted.
The decision follows observations that TSP allocations were not in line with NITI Aayog’s clarification that only Plan (Scheme) allocations -- and not non-plan expenditures such as establishment or other sectoral expenses -- should be considered while earmarking funds in proportion to the ST population.
“It has come to the notice of the government that the TSP allocation is not in line with the aforesaid guidelines of the NITI Aayog. Considering the same the line departments shall ensure that the allocation under Tribal Sub-Plan shall be necessarily in adherence with the guidelines of the NITI Aayog and that there is no diversion of TSP funds for non-tribal purpose,” director tribal welfare Nilesh Dhaigodkar said in the notification.
In a significant accountability measure, departments have also been directed to clearly mention the Tribal Welfare department’s reference number in scheme notifications and sanction orders for all new or amended TSP schemes.
The Tribal Welfare department has been empowered to recommend new schemes or modifications, call line departments for discussions on proposals, and ensure that projects genuinely benefit tribal communities. Departments have been advised to submit details of projects planned for the next financial year by October–November of the preceding year for scrutiny.
The government has warned that any non-compliance will be viewed seriously. “All line Departments shall meticulously follow the directions, and any non-compliance will be viewed seriously by the Government,” Dhaigodkar said.
