Outlays in the Expenditure Budget of the Central Government for 28 Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs) for the last five years increased around 60% in 2019-20 BE (I) compared to Actual of 2015-16.

Based on the recommendation of the Sub Group of Chief Ministers and in consultation with various Ministries/ Departments and other Stakeholders, GoI has rationalized the existing 66 Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs) into 28 schemes for CSSs which was communicated by NITI Aayog vide it’s O.M. dated 17.08.2016. It may also be stated that following the implementation of the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission, the devolution to States has been increased from 32% to 42%, thereby increasing the resource availability with the States vis-a-vis the Centre. Further, the level of flexi fund available in each CSS has been raised from 10% to 25%. This was done to enable the States to satisfy the local needs and undertake innovations. The trend in outlays in the Expenditure Budget of GoI for 28 CSSs for the last five years shown below reflects an increase of around 60% in 2019-20 BE (I) compared to actual of 2015-16.

(Rs. in Crore)

This was stated by Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.