Team Goemkarponn
Porvorim: The Goa government has directed all state departments to strictly follow guidelines issued by NITI Aayog for planning and utilisation of funds under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP), in a move aimed at ensuring that allocations meant for Scheduled Tribes reach the intended beneficiaries.
Informing the Goa Legislative Assembly, Tribal Welfare Minister Ramesh Tawadkar said an order issued on February 5, 2026 mandates all line departments to obtain prior approval from the Tribal Welfare Department before proposing any new schemes, amendments or development projects under the TSP.
Under the directive, the Tribal Welfare Department has been empowered to review proposals and suggest modifications wherever necessary to ensure that projects deliver direct and measurable benefits to the Scheduled Tribe population.
The decision comes amid legislative scrutiny over the utilisation of TSP funds. The issue was raised in the Assembly by Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardessai, who sought clarification on whether such funds had been diverted in the past for non-plan expenditures or establishment costs.
Officials from the Directorate of Tribal Welfare stated that no such deviations have been identified so far. However, the new order has been issued as a precautionary step to prevent possible misuse of funds in the future.
As part of the strengthened monitoring mechanism, a high-level review meeting involving 28 line departments was held on February 23 at the Secretariat in Porvorim to assess expenditure and progress of projects under the TSP.
The government has also put in place a multi-tier monitoring structure. At the district level, District Collectors, who head the District Level Planning and Monitoring Committees, will oversee fund utilisation. At the state level, the Chief Secretary will chair the State Level Executive Committee to monitor adherence to the guidelines issued by NITI Aayog.
Officials said that although no new audit mechanism has been introduced, the revised framework is expected to strengthen accountability and ensure that the significant funds earmarked for tribal development in Goa are utilised effectively.
Since the February 5 order was issued, the Tribal Welfare Department has not yet received any new proposals for scrutiny, officials added.
