Recommendation to maintain status quo regarding the central share for various centrally sponsored scheme was made by the sub-group which met here on May 28. The sub-group is headed by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Shivraj Singh Chauhan. The sub-group has been assigned the task of rationalising centrally-sponsored schemes. Bhopal meeting was attended by chief minister of Nagaland TR Zeliang, Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandi, Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Nabam Tuki, Telangana chief minister R Chandrashekhar Rao, Jharkhand's CM Raghubar Das and Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar AK Singh.

Chief ministers of Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh who are also member of the sub-group, could not attend the meeting.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting Chauhan said that consensus has emerged on two major points. One-the number of centrally sponsored schemes may be reduced from 147 to just 20 to 25. The second point on which consensus was arrived is that centre's share in centrally sponsored schemes should not be less than 50 percent.

Last meeting of the sub-group, which is acting as a catalyst to build a vibrant centre-state relationship, will now be held on June 13 in New Delhi. After which it will submit its recommendations to the chairman of Niti Aayog, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Chief ministers also insisted that the central funding of ongoing schemes should continue as it is till the year 2017-when the 13th Five-Year plan ends. Any change in the funding pattern would affect the implementation of schemes and would be impractical.

Chairman of the sub-panel, Chief Minister of MP admitted at a press conference later that the states want complete flexibility in funding and execution of the central projects.

In the meeting, the Chief Ministers expressed the view that the Central allocation for major schemes like MNREGA and other should continue on the same pattern for three to five years. Funding pattern should not be changed midway.

North-eastern states demanded special status vis-a-vis the centrally-sponsored schemes because of the poor economic infrastructure in those states. It was said that states like Nagaland, Andaman and Nicobar should be treated differently along with border and coastal states. To avoid financial burden on the states, the Centre should provide at least 75 per cent grant in the schemes and the states should contribute the remaining 25 per cent. In major schemes, the central allocation should be higher. Nagaland demanded funding for its policing infrastructure and personnel.

In the two-hour meeting, the chief ministers shared their views while NITI Aayog officials presented report on the proceedings of the earlier meeting. The committee incorporated written recommendations of state governments of Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan. Rajastan chief minister Vasundhara Raje was scheduled to participate in the meeting but at the last moment, her programme was changed because of Gujjar agitation.

Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang surprised the meeting saying that they were still waiting for “Achche Din”. 'When they will come?' he asked.

Arunachal Pradesh CM Nabam Tuki said the state was provided Rs. 4,500 per capita as central grant. Uttar Pradesh was given Rs. 1,700 per capita and MP got Rs. 2,500. Despite, the state needs more central support because of backwardness. He was of the view that funds for Central schemes should be provided in two installments-first installment in May and second in November.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao said that the states should not be burdened at all nor any reduction made in their share. The states will be adversely affected financially if that is done. The Central share in Centrally-sponsored schemes should not be less than 80 percent even if optional scheme have to be curtailed. He complained that the Centre cut its tax devolution under 14th finance committee recommendation considering the state as developed. It however, is a backward state and should be treated as such.

Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang said that north-eastern states should get special treatment vis-a-vis Centrally-sponsored schemes. Schemes like BRGF should continue. He said that police modernisation scheme should also be continued. Special status of north-eastern states including Nagaland should continue.

Kerala CM Oommen Chandi suggested chalking out special Central schemes for Kerala, it being a coastal state. States should not suffer losses due to new funding pattern. Whatever states were getting should not be curtailed. State's loan drawn limits should be enhanced.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das said that BRGF should be extended for two years so that funds under it can be fully utilised. He said that a formula should be evolved under which rich states should be made to spend more. He said that funds for centrally sponsored schemes should not be given after January since these can be fully utilized till end of financial year.

Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar A.K. Singh said that every Union Territory has different requirements. Therefore, separate funding pattern should be adopted for them. (IPA Service)