Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) MP Rajkumar Roat has leveled serious allegations against the Tribal Area Development (TAD) department regarding the misappropriation of funds and resources, while according to the MP, the department's budget is being diverted for purposes unrelated to tribal welfare. Roat has called for an investigation into the department's functioning, citing systemic corruption and administrative negligence that affects tribal students and the community at large.
Budget Lapse and Unauthorized Tenders
MP Rajkumar Roat claimed that out of the ₹1500 crore budget allocated for the year 2024, a significant portion remained unutilized and subsequently lapsed. He further alleged that projects worth ₹40 crore were initiated within the department without following the mandatory tender process. According to Roat, bypassing competitive bidding is a violation of financial norms and compromises the quality of work intended for the benefit of underprivileged children in tribal areas.
Allegations of Forgery and Corruption
The MP raised concerns over the alleged use of forged signatures of the TAD Commissioner to authorize departmental works, while roat stated that although the concerned minister claimed an FIR had been filed, no significant progress has been made in the investigation over the past year. He alleged that the department is being influenced by intermediaries and suggested that if the Commissioner's signatures could be forged, the integrity of the entire administrative process is at risk.
Political Influence in Tribal Hostels
Roat alleged that tribal hostels, which house thousands of students, are being converted into hubs for political and organizational activities. He specifically mentioned that in districts like Sirohi, hostel superintendents are allegedly acting as coordinators for specific organizations rather than focusing on student welfare. The MP argued that using government-funded educational facilities for ideological promotion is inappropriate and detrimental to the students' academic environment.
Diversion of Resources for Religious Conventions
A major point of contention raised by the MP is the alleged use of hostel resources for the 'Hindu Virat Sammelan'. Roat claimed that hostels were vacated to facilitate the event and that supplies intended for students were diverted for the convention's requirements. He stated that instead of supervising the students' needs, hostel officials were engaged in organizing the religious gathering, which he termed a gross misuse of state resources.
Concerns Over Land Acquisition and Tenancy Laws
Beyond departmental issues, MP Rajkumar Roat expressed concern over amendments to the Rajasthan Tenancy Act. He noted that changes to Section 42-B of the original 1995 Act have accelerated the pace of land acquisition, potentially impacting tribal land ownership. Roat also alleged the misuse of the Land Conversion Act and demanded reforms to ensure that the land rights of the tribal population are protected against unauthorized conversions and acquisitions.