World · India Bureau
SC/ST development projects form mere fraction of Kerala infrastructure fund outlay
An expert committee has found that scheduled caste and scheduled tribe-focused development projects account for less than 0.2% of the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board's total allocation, raising concerns about equity in public spending.
LSN India ·
Projects exclusively designed for the development of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes comprised just 0.18% of the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board's (KIIFB) approved outlay, according to findings by an expert panel. The proportion of actual funds released for such initiatives stood marginally higher at 0.21%, the committee noted in its assessment of the state's major infrastructure financing mechanism.
The KIIFB, established to channel investments into Kerala's infrastructure development, has emerged as one of the state's primary vehicles for capital expenditure. However, the minimal allocation to SC/ST-exclusive development schemes has drawn scrutiny from experts monitoring equitable resource distribution across social groups.
The findings suggest a significant gap between the infrastructure fund's overall scale and its targeting of historically disadvantaged communities. With SC and ST populations representing a substantial portion of Kerala's demographic composition, advocates have argued for proportionate resource allocation to address developmental disparities within these groups.
The expert committee's report comes amid broader discussions in India about ensuring inclusive development frameworks in public investment. Kerala's experience with the KIIFB presents a case study on how large-scale infrastructure funds can be structured to better serve marginalized communities while meeting broader state development objectives.