Government reduces number of centrally sponsored schemes to 28

The Union Government has reduced the number of centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) from 66 to 28 umbrella schemes, effective from the financial year 2016-17.
These schemes were reduced based on the recommendation of the sub-group of Chief Ministers on rationalisation of centrally sponsored schemes.

Key Facts
  • Government has categorised 6 schemes as Core of the Core, 20 schemes as Core Schemes and remaining two as Optional Schemes.
  • If required government is also planning to merge the related schemes and implement them as Umbrella Schemes with flexibility to states to administer in the line with their requirements.
  • Core schemes: For these schemes, the fund-sharing pattern between the Centre and states would be 60:40 for general category states. For the eight Northeastern and three Himalayan states, ratio is 90:10.
  • Core-of-core Schemes: These schemes are fully funded by the Centre. Some of the schemes included in this category are: MGRNEA, National Social Assistance Plan and the National Programme for Persons with Disabilities.
  • Optional Schemes: These schemes are for social protection and social inclusion. The fund-sharing pattern between the Centre and states is 50:50 for general category states and 80:20 for Northeastern and hilly states.
  • Funds for these schemes will be allocated to states as a lump sum and states would be free to choose which optional scheme they want to adopt.
What are Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS)?
  • CCS are schemes that are implemented by state governments but are largely funded by the Central Government with a defined State Government share.
  • They are basically special purpose grants (or loans) extended by Central Government to states to encourage them to plan and implement programmes that help attain national goals and objectives.
  • CSS are basically extended by the Central Government to States under Article 282 of the Constitution. It mainly cover items listed in states list.

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2 Comments

  1. Venugopal reddy

    June 26, 2017 at 11:45 am

    1. Core of the Core Schemes: Those schemes which are for social protection and social inclusion should form the core of core and be the first charge on available funds for the National Development Agenda.

    2. Core schemes: Focus of CSSs should be on schemes that comprise the National Development Agenda where the Centre and States will work together in the spirit of Team India.
    For 8 North Eastern States and 3 Himalayan States: Centre: State: 90:10 ;
    For other States: Centre: State: 60:40 ;
    For Union Territories (without Legislature): Centre 100%

    3.Optional Schemes: The Schemes where States would be free to choose the ones they wish to implement. Funds for these schemes would be allocated to States by the Ministry of Finance as a lump sum.
    For 8 North Eastern States and 3 Himalayan States: Centre: State: 80:20
    For other States: Centre: State: 50:50
    For Union Territories: (i) (without Legislature) – Centre 100%
    (ii) Union Territories with Legislature: Centre: UT:80:20

  2. Venugopal reddy

    June 26, 2017 at 11:45 am

    1. Core of the Core Schemes: Those schemes which are for social protection and social inclusion should form the core of core and be the first charge on available funds for the National Development Agenda.
    2. Core schemes: Focus of CSSs should be on schemes that comprise the National Development Agenda where the Centre and States will work together in the spirit of Team India.
    For 8 North Eastern States and 3 Himalayan States: Centre: State: 90:10 ;
    For other States: Centre: State: 60:40 ;
    For Union Territories (without Legislature): Centre 100%
    3.Optional Schemes: The Schemes where States would be free to choose the ones they wish to implement. Funds for these schemes would be allocated to States by the Ministry of Finance as a lump sum.
    For 8 North Eastern States and 3 Himalayan States: Centre: State: 80:20
    For other States: Centre: State: 50:50
    For Union Territories: (i) (without Legislature) – Centre 100%
    (ii) Union Territories with Legislature: Centre: UT:80:20

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