24 R'than projects in limbo as funds dry up

Rajasthan has been the launching pad for various ambitious schemes of the Centre but over two dozen centrally sponsored schemes in the state have failed to make any headway due to lack of funding from the central government.

These projects are related to infrastructure, education, agriculture, medical and health sectors and are dependent on financial assistance from the Centre.

A new funding pattern is being prepared for these 24 projects, where financial burden will be more on the state as the Centre has already expressed its desire to cut short the financial aid. Officials said no funding will done by the Centre until the new funding patterned is submitted. The state government too cannot release its share unless it receives assistance from the Centre. In such a situation, no work can take place in all the 24 projects.

“The Union government has increased the share of all states in the revenue generated from the central taxes. The share has been increased from 32 per cent to 42 per cent. After this initiative the Centre wants to reduce its share in all centrally sponsored schemes. In such a situation a new funding pattern is being prepared for all CSS and no progress could be made in all these projects as of now,” said a senior official of the Finance Department.

Officials said a new funding pattern is yet to be decided but most of centrally sponsored schemes will now have equal share of the state government. Both the state and union government will account for 50 per cent funding in most of the centrally sponsored schemes. As of now, the union government used to provide 90 to 75 per cent of funds in any centrally sponsored scheme.

In the sub-committee meetings of Niti Aayog, Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje already raised objection over the new funding pattern that is likely to be accepted.

Officials said the Centre is of the view that the state will get more money after increased share in central taxes. The money can be spent on various development projects as per the convenience and desire of the state government.

Once the new pattern is announced, it is likely to affect several schemes of the central government.