Budgetary Analysis of Tribal Sub-Plan in Andhra Pradesh (2007-08 to 2017-18)

Abstract

Study analysed trends in both budgeted and revised allocations and utilization of funds under TSP during pre- (2007-08 to 2013-14) and post-reorganization (2014-15 to 2017-18) of the state of A P. The analysis was carried out for main components i.e. Tribal Welfare and 796 Head as well as for departments with sizeable budgets. The issues of gap between allocation and releases and rate of utilization of available funds have been examined. Some selected schemes which benefit the STs were also examined. The changes in priorities for development of STs were traced. The relationship between fund flow (total and Per capita) to the districts and urbanization of the districts and also with the share of districts in ST population were examined. The pattern of resource expenditure during the study periods was reviewed. Besides studying the trends in allocation and utilization of financial resources, the study attempted to compile data on the fund flow and development expenditure in reference to Tribal Sub-plan based on the data from finance department's detailed demands for grants and treasury. Of the 24 department through which the TSP funds were channelled, 10 received bulk of the TSP funds. Further, two out of the 10 departments garnered huge amounts in Period II indicating the strategic shifts in the new state for development of STs. The per capita allocations declined both absolutely and relatively in Period II over the first Period and the parity between PVTGs and their counterparts was not maintained. The most vulnerable group received raw deal in resource allocation. District -wise expenditure data reveal that share of districts with higher concentration of STs received more funds in period II.