Finance Ministry allocates ₹660 crore additional funds to Madhya Pradesh for citizen-centric reforms

"Fifty per cent of the approved amount has also been released to the state as first installment for the approved projects," the finance ministry said in a statement.

The finance ministry on Sunday said it has allocated an additional ₹660 crore to Madhya Pradesh for capital expenditure to undertake citizen-centric reforms.

The 'Special Assistance to States for capital expenditure' scheme was announced by the Centre in October last year as part of Aatmanirbhar Bharat package. (HT Photo)

"A list of capital projects with an estimated cost of ₹660 crore was approved by the Department of Expenditure. Fifty per cent of the approved amount (i.e. ₹330 crore) has also been released to the state (Madhya Pradesh) as first installment for the approved projects," it said in a statement.

The ministry has allocated this additional funds to the state for capital expenditure for undertaking the 'One Nation, One Ration Card' reforms, Ease of Doing Business reforms, and urban local bodies reforms. The state has also completed part of the fourth reform — the power sector reforms.

The 'Special Assistance to States for capital expenditure' scheme was announced by the Centre in October last year as part of Aatmanirbhar Bharat package. The scheme is aimed at boosting capital expenditure of the state governments that are facing difficult financial environment due to a shortfall in tax revenue arising from the Covid-19 pandemic.

"So far, capital expenditure proposals of ₹10,657 crore of 27 states have been approved by the Ministry of Finance. An amount of ₹5,328 crore has already been released to the states as the first installment under the scheme.

"State-wise allocation, approval granted and funds released is attached. Tamil Nadu has not availed the benefit of the scheme," it added.