Press Release
Press Release from the Tribal Research Institute and Training Centre
Information & Public Relations Department
Training-cum-Workshop on Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) and SNA Sparsh Conducted for DDOs and RCOs
Gangtok, March 7, 2026: The Department of Social Welfare (SWD) successfully organised a training-cum-workshop today for Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) and Resource Controlling Officers (RCOs) on the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP), Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) and SNA Sparsh. The workshop was aimed at strengthening financial management practices, enhancing accountability, and ensuring effective implementation of welfare schemes for tribal communities.
The programme commenced with registration and opening formalities, followed by a welcome address from the Special Secretary, TAD/SWD, who emphasised the importance of transparent financial practices and proper fund utilisation. The Director, Accounts, SWD, then provided an introductory overview of TSP and SCSP, outlining its structure and functioning.
In the technical session, the Chief Accounts Officer, SWD, explained the objectives of the Tribal Sub-Plan & SCSP fund earmarking procedures, and the role of DDOs in implementation. It was highlighted that under the Tribal Sub-Plan (Minor Head 796), 33.8% of funds from State-funded schemes are earmarked for projects benefiting the five recognized Scheduled Tribes in proportion to their population in the state focuses particularly in tribal areas. Similarly, under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (Minor Head 789), 4% of funds are allocated for initiatives benefiting Scheduled Caste communities as per their size in the state. These allocations are monitored by an Executive Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary, ensuring accountability and timely reporting.
Delivering the closing remarks, the Secretary, SWD, reiterated that TSP and SCSP are priority areas of the department. She encouraged officers to adopt best practices in financial administration and ensure that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries. She further highlighted that all Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) schemes are sanctioned under Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST) funds, which provide allocations under Centrally Sponsored Schemes. Departments were urged to book allocations for beneficiary-oriented schemes such as Widow Pensions, Aama Yojna, Old Age Pensions, and other state-funded programmes of Various Departments under TSP/SCSP heads to maximise impact. She also urged all the RCOs and DDOs in the 2026-2027 Budget to create a minor head where required and a review meeting will be carried out with all the heads of the Departments.
Following a tea break, a comprehensive orientation on SNA Sparsh was conducted by Shri P.L. Adhikari, Deputy Director (Finance). His session focused on the operational aspects of the system and its role in enhancing transparency and efficiency in fund flow management.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Joint Director, Finance, who expressed appreciation to the resource persons and participants for their active engagement.
This workshop served as a vital platform for capacity building and knowledge sharing, equipping officers with the tools and insights necessary to strengthen the implementation of Tribal Sub-Plan initiatives and improve financial governance through SNA Sparsh.
Gangtok, March 7, 2026: The Department of Social Welfare (SWD) successfully organised a training-cum-workshop today for Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) and Resource Controlling Officers (RCOs) on the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP), Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) and SNA Sparsh. The workshop was aimed at strengthening financial management practices, enhancing accountability, and ensuring effective implementation of welfare schemes for tribal communities.
The programme commenced with registration and opening formalities, followed by a welcome address from the Special Secretary, TAD/SWD, who emphasised the importance of transparent financial practices and proper fund utilisation. The Director, Accounts, SWD, then provided an introductory overview of TSP and SCSP, outlining its structure and functioning.
In the technical session, the Chief Accounts Officer, SWD, explained the objectives of the Tribal Sub-Plan & SCSP fund earmarking procedures, and the role of DDOs in implementation. It was highlighted that under the Tribal Sub-Plan (Minor Head 796), 33.8% of funds from State-funded schemes are earmarked for projects benefiting the five recognized Scheduled Tribes in proportion to their population in the state focuses particularly in tribal areas. Similarly, under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (Minor Head 789), 4% of funds are allocated for initiatives benefiting Scheduled Caste communities as per their size in the state. These allocations are monitored by an Executive Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary, ensuring accountability and timely reporting.
Delivering the closing remarks, the Secretary, SWD, reiterated that TSP and SCSP are priority areas of the department. She encouraged officers to adopt best practices in financial administration and ensure that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries. She further highlighted that all Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) schemes are sanctioned under Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST) funds, which provide allocations under Centrally Sponsored Schemes. Departments were urged to book allocations for beneficiary-oriented schemes such as Widow Pensions, Aama Yojna, Old Age Pensions, and other state-funded programmes of Various Departments under TSP/SCSP heads to maximise impact. She also urged all the RCOs and DDOs in the 2026-2027 Budget to create a minor head where required and a review meeting will be carried out with all the heads of the Departments.
Following a tea break, a comprehensive orientation on SNA Sparsh was conducted by Shri P.L. Adhikari, Deputy Director (Finance). His session focused on the operational aspects of the system and its role in enhancing transparency and efficiency in fund flow management.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Joint Director, Finance, who expressed appreciation to the resource persons and participants for their active engagement.
This workshop served as a vital platform for capacity building and knowledge sharing, equipping officers with the tools and insights necessary to strengthen the implementation of Tribal Sub-Plan initiatives and improve financial governance through SNA Sparsh.