Parliamentary Panel Raises Red Flags Over SC Livelihood Scheme Fund Utilisation

A parliamentary committee has flagged significant underutilisation of funds allocated for the PM-AJAY Grants-in-Aid scheme, a central government programme aimed at improving livelihoods for Scheduled Castes. According to the panel's assessment, merely Rs 156 crore of the Rs 920 crore budget earmarked for 2025-26 has been spent, representing just 17 per cent fund utilisation.

The limited disbursement has raised questions about the implementation machinery at both central and state levels. Such slow spending patterns often indicate delays in fund release, administrative hurdles, or insufficient coordination between implementing agencies, all of which can undermine the scheme's intended beneficiaries.

The PM-AJAY scheme is designed to provide financial assistance and grants to Scheduled Caste communities for various livelihood and economic activities. The parliamentary panel's findings suggest that despite the budgetary allocation, the actual reach and impact of the scheme on ground may be significantly constrained.

The committee has reportedly called for expedited action to improve fund utilisation and better oversight mechanisms. Officials are expected to submit action plans to address implementation gaps and ensure that allocated resources are deployed efficiently to support the intended beneficiary groups across the country.