The MLA has requested the Chief Minister to prepare a department-wise review report of the expenditure of the TSP Fund over the past three years, to clarify whether the funds have been used in accordance with the intended objectives.
Bhopal. Serious questions have been raised regarding the use of the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) funds, created for the development of tribal-dominated areas. Kamleshwar Dodiyar, MLA of the Bharat Adivasi Party from the Sailana constituency in Ratlam district, has sent a letter to Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav demanding a high-level investigation and department-wise review of the expenditure incurred under the TSP Fund over the past three years.
1.25 lakh crore spent in three years, but where is the benefit?
MLA Dodiyar stated in his letter that the state government has spent approximately ₹1.25 lakh crore under the TSP Fund over the past three financial years. However, the worrying fact is that this amount was primarily spent not through the Tribal Affairs Department but was used by 42 other state departments for their own projects.
According to him, out of a total provision of ₹148 lakh crore, actual utilization of ₹125 lakh crore was recorded. Of these, the Energy, Agriculture, and Rural Development departments spent the most. In contrast, expenditure by the Employment, Industry, Tourism, and New Energy departments was negligible, raising questions about the scheme’s objectives.
Serious Allegations Regarding Fund Transfer
Dodiyar also mentioned in his application that the Water Resources Department transferred ₹355 crore from the TSP to other general items, which is contrary to the spirit of the Tribal Sub-Plan.
He stated that when departments use TSP funds for their regular schemes, it raises concerns about how much of the actual benefit has reached the tribal community.
Implementation deviates from the original spirit of the scheme
MLA Kamleshwar Dodiyar stated clearly that the primary objective of the TSP fund is to develop basic amenities such as education, health, roads, irrigation, electricity, drinking water, employment, and social security in tribal-dominated areas. This fund was specifically created for areas where infrastructure remains weak and people lack easy access to basic entitlements.
However, he expressed concern that when this amount is spent on general schemes of various departments, the intended development work in tribal areas remains incomplete. This not only undermines the original objective of the scheme but also adversely impacts the socio-economic empowerment of these communities.
Demand for Department-Wise Review and Audit
The MLA urged the Chief Minister to prepare a department-wise review report of the expenditure of the TSP fund over the last three years to clarify whether the funds have been used in accordance with the intended objectives. He also demanded that financial audits be conducted against departments that have arbitrarily diverted funds to other items, ensuring transparency in the entire process.
The MLA also demanded that departments or officials whose negligence has adversely affected the development of tribal areas be held accountable. He believes that without strict action, the proper utilization of TSP funds cannot be ensured, and its true beneficiaries, the tribal communities, are being deprived.
MLA Dodiyar suggested that in future, TSP funds be allocated and spent only through the Tribal Affairs Department, so that the funds can truly be utilized in accordance with the needs of tribal areas.
He said that if TSP funds continue to be used for general schemes of other departments, the development of tribal areas will remain limited to paper only.
MLA Dodiyar requested Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav to take immediate cognizance of this serious issue and issue necessary instructions.
He also said, “An investigation should be conducted into the misuse of TSP funds and I should be informed promptly of the action taken.”
Ankit Pachauri
Courtesy: Hindi News