Give first right to SC/ST, minorities under CSS: CMs' panel

The chief minister's sub-group on centrally-sponsored schemes (CSS) has suggested that MGNREGA and social inclusion schemes, particularly for the disabled, backward castes and minorities, should have the first claim on central funds.

The panel has also recommended that the number of CSS should come down to 30 and flexi-funds can go up to 25 per cent, from the existing 10 per cent.

"MGNREGA and schemes for social inclusion would be the Core of the Core and shall be the first charge on funds available for the National Development Agenda," the sub-group said in its report submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi later last month.

According to the report, the Centre has retained 50 of the 66 ongoing CSS in the Budget 2015-16. The balance are being either taken into the central sector or reformulated as new umbrella schemes or have been transferred to states.

The panel has said the focus of CSS should be on those schemes that comprise the National Development Agenda where the Centre and the states will work together in the spirit of Team India.

The panel splits the schemes into two parts -- core and optional.

The panel has recommended that among core schemes, those for social protection and inclusion should form the Core of the Core.

It takes the line that ordinarily, in any sector there should be one umbrella scheme with the same funding pattern for all its sub-components.

The committee, which is all for classification of all non-core schemes as optional ones, said core scheme sharing of funds between the Centre and the states should be in the ratio of 90:10 for eight north-eastern states, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand, and 60:40 for others.

In the case of optional schemes, the panel suggested that the share allocation be put at 80:20 for the aforesaid 11 states and 50:50 for others.

The panel has recommended 100 per cent of central funding through NITI/Ministry of Finance for Union Territories.

In schemes such as ASHA, Aanganwadi, SSA with remuneration/salary components, the funding pattern should not be modified to the disadvantage of the states until the completion of the 12th Plan, it proposed.