Guidelines framed for initiating criminal action against officials diverting funds for SC/ST welfare in Karnataka
The Hindu
According to sources, there have been a large number of allegations of diversion of funds, or deliberately allowing the funds to lapse
Following complaints about diversion of funds meant for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes welfare for general purposes, Karnataka Government has framed guidelines for investigating such complaints and initiating criminal cases against the culprits within a time frame.
Such an order has been issued for the first time since the Karnataka Scheduled Castes Sub-Allocation and Tribal Sub-Allocation (Planning, Allocation and Utilisation of Financial Resources) Act, 2014, came into force. “Most of the provisions for penal action against the officials had not been implemented. Rules have been framed now,” an official said.
According to sources, strict action is being contemplated as there have been a large number of allegations of diversion of funds, or deliberately allowing the funds to lapse.
The Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement or an official not less than joint or deputy director will have to be directed by the SCTSP/ TSP Cell to investigate the complaint and file a report within 90 days. The order quotes the Karnataka Scheduled Castes Sub-Allocation and Tribal Sub-Allocation (Planning, Allocation and Utilisation of Financial Resources) Rules, 2017.
The order has empowered issuing of notice to the officials concerned and seeking responses within 20 days, or initiating criminal action against officials who refuse to respond to the notice. The order also enables filing of criminal case by filing an FIR against officials.