GoM approves merging of 147 central schemes to 70

May 23,  6:32 PM A Group of Ministers, GoM, headed by Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, on Thursday approved merging of 147 Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) into 70 across various sectors for efficient implementation and monitoring in the 12th Five Year Plan. The GoM decisions are in line with the recommendations of the Chaturvedi committee, which had suggested bringing down CSS to 59 from 147 to avoid overlap. It has approved setting up of a flexi-funds system in each scheme, under which state governments can use 10 per cent of the Budget allocated for Centrally Sponsored Schemes within the broader framework of the flagship programme. For better utilisation of funds under the central schemes, the panel of ministers approved transferring of funds from the centre to the state consolidated funds and not directly to the implementing agencies.The panel has also approved setting up of state specific guidelines in each central sponsored scheme. Shashikant Sharma takes over as Comptroller and Auditor General of India May 23 Shashikant Sharma was today sworn-in as the new Comptroller and Auditor General, CAG of India. President Pranab Mukherjee administered the oath of office to Mr. Sharma at a glittering function held at the Darbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhawan. Mr. Sharma succeeds Mr. Vinod Rai whose 5 and a half year tenure ended yesterday. Mr. Shashikant Sharma from the 1976 IAS Bihar cadre is Masters in Political Science from the University of York. Mr. Sharma had also served as Defence Secretary. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh , Finance Minister Chidambarm , Senior BJP leader L.K.Advani were among those who attended the function.

BJP terms UPA government's report card as disappointing May 23 BJP has termed the UPA government's report card as disappointing. Briefing reporters in New Delhi on Thursday, party spokesperson, Sudhanshu Trivedi claimed that in NDA rule country's economy was in better condition, while, at present it is very critical. He said, India was current account surplus country during NDA rule and now it is facing current account deficit. Mr. Trivedi said, BJP is ready to support the Food Security Bill but with certain amendments. He also dismissed the congress allegations that principal opposition party is responsible for not passing the Bill. He charged the Congress with playing politics over the Bill. The party also demanded the resignation of Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit over Lokayukta's allegation of misuse of government funds for carrying out an advertisement campaign during assembly elections in 2008.