Hyderabad – BJP MP Godem Nagesh has raised serious concerns about the Telangana government’s handling of central funds meant for tribal communities. He revealed that the Central Government released more than ₹300 crore to support Adivasis and tribals in the state, but the funds have not reached the intended beneficiaries for over five to six months.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Nagesh accused the Congress-led state government of withholding the funds. He claimed the money could be getting diverted to other schemes instead of helping the tribal population.
He pointed out that many tribal families, including Kolams, Thoti, and Chenchu, had taken loans last year to start building homes. However, they are now struggling because the state hasn’t released the promised financial support.
Nagesh also highlighted that though the Centre released scholarship funds in October last year, tribal students have still not received any assistance — even with the academic year now over.
Calling attention to Article 275(1) of the Constitution, he stated that funds provided by the Centre should be used to improve residential and ashram schools. These funds are meant to upgrade educational facilities and support skill development among tribal students. But according to him, the state has not spent this money and continues to hold it.
He further revealed that the Centre allocated ₹5 crore for the Tribal Research Institute, but again, the amount hasn’t been passed on to the relevant Tribal Welfare Agencies.
On March 24, the Central Government also sanctioned ₹16 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Yojana to improve village infrastructure. However, even after two months, the funds remain unused.
Additionally, ₹98 crore was released by the Centre for skill development and institutional growth, but the state government has not acted on it, Nagesh alleged.
“In total, over ₹300 crore meant for poor tribals is just sitting in the state government’s account,” he said.
He slammed the Congress government for claiming a shortage of funds while failing to distribute the money already provided by the Centre. “If the funds were received, why haven’t the districts got them? Were they used for something else?” he questioned.
Nagesh demanded the immediate release of all central funds, insisting they be directed to the tribal communities who urgently need support.
