New Delhi, Apr 11: Expressing dissatisfaction over "dismal performance" of the Special Central Assistance (SCA) schemes for the marginalised sections and non-utilisation of funds in seven states including Delhi, Punjab, Bihar and Kerala, a parliamentary committee has suggested the Planning Commission put some embargo on the annual plan of the defaulting states. The standing committee on labour and welfare, in its latest report tabled in parliament, observed that the ultimate sufferers were not the defaulting states but the poor scheduled caste families. The other states where the performance of the SCA was found to be perfunctory are Jharkhand, Manipur and Goa, the report said. Referring to the post-matric scholarship scheme for SC students, the panel took note of the shortcomings such as low rate of maintenance allowance, non-increase of the income ceiling for eligibility, not following uniform income ceiling and complex procedure of sanction and disbursement. It asked the Ministry of Social Justice and empowerment to take urgent steps to overcome the shortcomings pointed out by the evaluation agencies and ensure their strict compliance by states and union territories.

Bureau Report