Kupwara, Apr 1: The government has failed to utilize funds under Tribal Sub Plan and other schemes for developing infrastructure in the areas here dominated by scheduled tribes during this financial year, leaving the community in lurch.
 Sources told Greater Kashmir that government had earmarked Rs 14 crores under TSP and other schemes to develop roads, bridges, water supply schemes, computer training centres, and supplying electricity to these areas, but due to un-known reasons these funds were still lying un-utilized with social welfare ministry, which looks after the tribal affairs. 
 They said “Plan proposals and other formalities to execute these schemes were completed well in time.”
 The Gujjar deputations allege that funds release were delayed by senior officers of Gujjar & Bakerwal Advisory Development Board. “During the past 5-years either the funds were surrendered or released at the eleventh hour due to which they remained unspent. Last year the TSP was released on 27 March and it could not be utilized within four days” said an Ex-Board member, Abdul Majeed Kohli adding the “delaying tactics and step motherly treatment to Gujjars is continuing.”
 “Majority of the community people are illiterate and get exploited and discriminated on all fronts. They are un-aware of the implementation of the different schemes and are being treated as vote banks by politicians and later ignored” said Nazir Ahmad Khatana adding no government had done anything for the betterment of the people.
 When contacted, Social Welfare Minister, Sakeena Itoo said “funds will not be surrendered this year. We have decided to utilize the money after April. CM was kind enough to release Rs 14 crore which will be utilized immediately when snow melts in upper reaches.”

Lastupdate on : Thu, 1 Apr 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 1 Apr 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 2 Apr 2010 00:00:00 IST