SC-ST funds are never released in full by finance dept: Data

Although the recent diversion of ₹746 crore meant for the scheduled castes (SCs) and scheduled tribes (STs) to the Ladki Bahin scheme has stirred up a controversy, data shows that diversion and short spending in the social justice and tribal development departments is a routine affair.

- Surendra P Gangan

MUMBAI:

The order to divert ₹410.30 crore of the social justice department and ₹335.70 crore of the tribal development department to the Ladki Bahin Yojana was given by the government on Friday. This angered the SCs and STs, as the budget meant for these communities is in proportion to their population and cannot be diverted to other departments. The government's move led to social justice minister and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat calling Ajit Pawar the "finance department's Shakuni" without naming him.