Covid-19 crisis: No new scheme for a year as govt tightens purse strings

The Union finance ministry has put the brakes on the implementation of new schemes other than those announced in the Rs 20-trillion package to revive the economy and help vulnerable sections amid the Covid-19 crisis. 

New schemes, up to Rs 500 crore, which have already been appraised by the departments and ministries, would also be suspended in the current financial year. 

These schemes would also include those which have been given in-principle approval. 

The financial advisors of the departments have been asked to send a list of these schemes to the department of expenditure under the finance ministry by June 30.  

No funds would