HoDs accountable for use of welfare funds, says Narayanaswamy

Heads of departments (HoDs) in the State governments, including the Chief Secretary, are accountable for the use of funds meant for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes welfare, said Union Minister o

Heads of departments (HoDs) in the State governments, including the Chief Secretary, are accountable for the use of funds meant for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes welfare, said Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment A. Narayanaswamy here on Monday.

Speaking at an Antodyaya programme to create awareness among elected members of gram panchayats and urban local bodies about programmes of Social Welfare and Backward Classes Welfare departments, Mr. Narayanaswamy said that when funds under Scheduled Caste Sub Plan and Tribal Sub Plan are used by different departments then, each one of these departments are accountable for every single rupee that is spent.

In a recent review meeting he held in Jammu and Kashmir, Mr. Narayanaswamy said that only officials from the Social Welfare Department turned up. Talking exception to such conduct, the Union Minister of State said that as the Social Justice Minister he is the custodian of all Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes.