The government has reduced the number of centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) to 28 umbrella schemes from 66.
Based on the recommendation of the sub-group of Chief Ministers on rationalisation of centrally sponsored schemes, the government of India has rationalised centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) effective from the financial year 2016-17.
6 schemes have been categorised as Core of the Core, 20 schemes as Core Schemes and remaining two as Optional Schemes.
The related schemes will be merged and implemented as “Umbrella Schemes” with flexibility to states to administer the admissible component in the line with state-specific 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.
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.
