Ahmedabad – AAP MLA from Dediapada, Chaitar Vasava, raised serious concerns in the Gujarat Assembly over the utilization of the tribal development budget, urging the government to close the Development Support Agency of Gujarat (D-SAG) and implement a Gram Sabha-based approach for tribal welfare. Vasava highlighted irregularities in fund allocation and called for transparency and accountability in the AAP tribal development budget.
During a press conference, Vasava revealed that in the fiscal year 2024-25, the government allocated ₹19,573.06 lakh to D-SAG, out of which ₹18,297.06 lakh was utilized and ₹1,276 lakh remained unspent. In 2025-26, ₹17,009 lakh was allocated, but only ₹7,703.43 lakh was utilized while ₹9,305.57 lakh remained unspent. Despite the presence of 24 district tribal sub-plan offices with project administrators and full staff, D-SAG continues to receive massive funding, often bypassing local needs and priorities.
Irregular Fund Allocation and Lack of Transparency
Vasava criticized D-SAG for giving projects to preferred contractors and agencies without competitive tenders, stating that the allocation process ignores local tribal demands in areas like education, nutrition, and Anganwadi services. “Instead of consulting Gram Sabha, Taluka Panchayat, or District Panchayat, funds are directly disbursed from Gandhinagar, often without proper tender or conditions. This is how the AAP tribal development budget is being misused,” he said.
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He further urged the government to immediately close D-SAG and channel funds through proposals made in Gram Sabha meetings. According to Vasava, this would ensure that the AAP tribal development budget is used directly for initiatives that meet the real needs of tribal communities, rather than enriching select contractors.
Demand for SIT Investigation
MLA Vasava also demanded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) be formed to probe projects executed without tenders and take action against those responsible. “All works completed without competitive bidding should be investigated, and strict measures should be taken against violators to ensure that the AAP tribal development budget is spent effectively for the development of tribal communities,” he added.
Vasava’s call emphasizes grassroots governance, transparency, and community-led development as central to the welfare of tribal populations in Gujarat. By closing D-SAG and implementing a Gram Sabha-based system, the Aam Aadmi Party aims to ensure accountability and direct impact on tribal welfare.