This politically motivated move will prevent non-BJP ruled states like Telangana from implementing these plans according to local needs
Posted Date – 08:20 PM, Fri – 16 June 23
This politically motivated move will prevent non-BJP ruled states like Telangana from implementing these plans according to local needs
Hyderabad: In a major measure that could have far-reaching implications for states such as Telangana, the coalition government is considering the possibility of halting central funding for states that change the nomenclature and guidelines of an approved flagship central scheme.
If implemented, the politically motivated move would prevent non-BJP-ruled states such as Telangana from implementing these plans based on local needs.
According to government sources, the Treasury has issued capital expenditure orders for the 2023-24 financial year to the states seeking their capital expenditure plans. States have to follow approved scheme nomenclature such as Prime Minister Aawas Yojana (PMAY), Prime Minister Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY) and Ayushman Bharat – Center for Health and Wellness.
States have been informed that in the state capital spending plan, there is a precondition that only those states that adhere to the original title and guidelines of the central plan will be eligible for funding. Any attempt to change the nomenclature of the Central Program will result in disqualification.
“The move is aimed at rejecting political opposition parties in states like Telangana where the state government spends equal to or more than the Center in effectively implementing central programs such as PMGKAY. Therefore, the state government will have to launch separate parallel programs or let the central Credit the former for his excellent work,” a Treasury official said.
For example, out of a total of 8.996 million ration cards in Telangana, only 5.444 million cards are within the PMGKAY range of the centre. The remaining 3.552 million cards were issued by state governments. Both plans have a combined 2.83 million consumers.
While the center supplies only 5 kg of rice per person per month, the state government provides 6 kg of rice per beneficiary per month across all 8.996 million ration cards covered by the central and state schemes. The coalition government has not issued a single new card since the formation of Telangana.
The Coalition government’s consideration of the move stems from feedback from MPs that certain states, especially non-BJP ruled states, have changed the name and logo of central planning. In response, the government is considering making compliance with the approved guidelines, including nomenclature, mandatory for all centrally funded schemes.
While union ministries have so far not issued directives to ensure compliance with central scheme naming and guidelines, it is feared they will soon follow suit with other flagship schemes.
Thus, the BJP-led central government appears to be aiming to use political advantage by either claiming effective implementation of the program in all states or accusing non-BJP-ruled state governments of terminating the program when it does not comply.
