Akhilesh Yadav suggested move to MP CM

Funds given to state governments for optional schemes can either be fully used by them on a single optional scheme or equally on a particular number of such schemes.

By suggesting that states can now spend funds meant for optional schemes on core schemes, the panel has, in a way, empowered states, allowing them to contribute more financially in schemes of national importance, sources informed this newspaper.

The recommendation, sources added, incidentally came on the suggestion of Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, who apparently was keen on including this point in the final report on CSS.

While Mr Chouhan had prepared the draft report by June-end this year (whose main suggestion was pruning of CSS from the existing 72 to 30), owing to differences among various chief ministers on several aspects like funds allotment, north-eastern states seeking greater funds as well as the above-mentioned point, its finalisation got delayed by four months.

Sources aware of the development said that it was only after Mr Chouhan invited Mr Yadav to Bhopal a couple of weeks ago and agreed to include the suggestion of allowing states freedom to spend funds meant for optional schemes on core schemes that the report could be finalised and sent to the PMO.

Apart from suggesting cutting down CSS to 30, the sub-group had also recommended that these should be divided into two broad groups — core schemes and optional schemes.

Core schemes, it had suggested, should be those which are legislatively backed and fulfil the national development agenda, like MGNREGA, Swachchh Bharat Mission and Mid-Day Meal schemes.

The optional schemes it recommended should be those which are aimed at social protection and social inclusion.