Karnataka to Redirect ₹11,896 Crore SC/ST Funds for Guarantee Schemes, BJP Criticizes Move

The Karnataka government has decided to redirect ₹11,896.84 crore from the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) towards implementing five major guarantee schemes during the 2025–26 fiscal year. Out of the total ₹42,017.51 crore allocated under SCSP and TSP, this portion will support welfare initiatives such as Anna Bhagya (₹1,670 crore), Yuva Nidhi (₹162 crore), Shakti Yojana (₹1,537 crore), Gruha Jyoti (₹2,626 crore), and Gruha Lakshmi (₹7,438 crore).

This decision was approved during a meeting of the SC/ST State Development Council and has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). A high-level review meeting on this issue is scheduled for August 5 and will be chaired by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The overall allocation for 2025–26 includes ₹29,991.69 crore under the SCSP and ₹12,025.82 crore under the TSP.

According to official data, the diversion of SC/ST welfare funds for guarantee schemes is not new. In 2023–24, ₹11,114 crore was similarly redirected, while in 2024–25, ₹14,282.38 crore was allocated for the same purpose. The Congress-led government’s repeated use of welfare funds in this manner has raised concerns about its priorities and commitment to marginalized communities.

Reacting strongly, Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra criticized the Congress government on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), accusing it of betraying the SC/ST communities. He claimed the government has consistently exploited oppressed groups for political gain and is now misusing nearly ₹12,000 crore meant for their welfare. He labeled the decision a political move designed to further the Congress party's agenda while undermining the constitutional and moral foundation of social justice.

Vijayendra also criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who has often positioned himself as a champion of backward and Dalit communities. Vijayendra argued that diverting welfare funds reserved for these communities was a “reprehensible” act that deserved widespread condemnation. He emphasized that this decision contradicted the very ideals Siddaramaiah claims to uphold.

The BJP leader also highlighted a similar controversy from the previous year, where the Congress government allegedly misused funds meant for Scheduled Tribe welfare and appropriated finances allocated to the Maharshi Valmiki Development Corporation. Vijayendra stated that the current reallocation of SC/ST funds further indicates that the government is deprioritizing the development needs of marginalized communities across the state.

Vijayendra issued a strong warning, stating that if the government does not reverse the decision immediately, the BJP will initiate protests both inside and outside the state assembly. He emphasized that the party would not tolerate such misuse of welfare allocations and would fight to protect the rights of marginalized communities.

The decision to divert a large portion of SC/ST funds for flagship welfare schemes has thus not only sparked a political storm but also brought to the forefront concerns over social justice, budget transparency, and the ethical use of funds earmarked for the most vulnerable populations. The upcoming review meeting on August 5 is expected to be a crucial moment in determining whether the government will defend or reconsider its position.