62% of welfare scheme funds not utilised by UTs, states in '24: Govt

FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE UNION BUDGET FOR 2025-26 CONTAINED A NEW STATEMENT THAT SHOWS FUND BALANCE WITH STATE AND UNION TERRITORIES

- Rajeev Jayaswal

NEW DELHI: Of the ₹2.46 lakh crore released by the Centre for over 50 major schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, about 62% or approximately ₹1.54 lakh crore, remained idle with state agencies as of December 31, government data showed.

For the first time, the Union budget for 2025-26 contained a new statement that shows fund balance under single nodal agency (SNA) accounts with state and Union territories with respect to select centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) of ₹500 crore and above. Expenditure secretary Manoj Govil said the purpose is to monitor expenditure and nudge implementing agencies such as the relevant central ministries and states to expedite developmental work.