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Chief Minister Siddaramaiah conducted a detailed 2.5-hour review of the Social Welfare Department at his official residence, Krishna. He expressed strong displeasure over the delay in fund utilization and issued firm instructions to officials.

Key Highlights of the Meeting:

    * The CM reprimanded officials for the habit of spending funds only at the end of the financial year.

    * Of the ₹5,377 crore budget allocated to the department for 2024-25, ₹3,631 crore has been released, but only ₹2,892 crore has been utilized so far.

    * Siddaramaiah instructed Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh to take action against officials delaying fund utilization.

    * The CM highlighted that corporations, such as Ambedkar Corporation (₹900 crore) and Bhovi Corporation (₹107 crore), have not utilized funds meant for beneficiaries.

    * Managing Directors of corporations failing to spend the allocated funds will face immediate suspension. Notices will be served if no proper explanation is provided.

    * Pre-Matric scholarships must be disbursed by September and Post-Matric scholarships by November every year.

    * Aadhaar-related delays must be avoided, and all students should be linked to Aadhaar without fail.

    * Of the ₹164 crore allocated for Pre-Matric scholarships, ₹105 crore has been utilized. Post-Matric scholarships, with an allocation of ₹230 crore, have been fully utilized.

* The government aims to establish a residential school in every hobli.

    * This year, 20 new residential schools were opened, increasing the total number to 841. Schools in 92 remaining hoblis must be operational within two years.

    * All new schools must have adequate teachers and infrastructure to ensure quality education.

    * Existing vacancies should be filled, and guest teachers’ honorarium will be reviewed.

    * Residential schools should have sports facilities. Stadiums will be built where land is available.

    * Students must be given priority access to skill development programs.

    * Food quality in residential schools must be maintained. Basic amenities, including beds, should be ensured.

    * Regular health and nutrition check-ups for students are mandatory.

    * There are 1,937 student hostels in the state, of which 270 operate in rented buildings.

    * Construction of 130 hostels is in progress, and action will be taken to construct buildings on 63 available plots.

    * Houses under construction must be completed using available funds. Unit costs for housing will be reviewed.

    * The number of borewells under the Gangakalyana scheme will be increased.

    * Immediate identification of land is required to set up a 500-person capacity shelter for the homeless in Bengaluru, as announced in the previous budget.

The CM emphasized the need for officials to work with commitment to benefit marginalized communities and ensure timely implementation of all schemes. He warned of strict action against inefficiency or negligence in delivering government benefits.