FinMin gives 6-month extension to 12th Plan schemes

The Finance Ministry has extended the time period for 12th Plan schemes ending on March 31 by six months, thus giving time to ministries to complete their appraisals.

The 12th Plan, which is the last of the Five Year Plans, is coming to an end on March 31.

"This extension is granted only for a period of six months after March, 2017 i.e. till September 30, 2Ol7 by which time the appraisal / approval of all such schemes should be completed as per the laid down procedure. No further extension shall be granted for continuation of the schemes," the ministry said in an office memorandum.

The office memorandum further said ministries/departments may, however, discontinue those schemes which were sanctioned till the end of 2016-17 and which are now proposed for discontinuation.

According to the office memorandum, for schemes with financial implication of more than Rs 500 crore, the financial advisors may prepare a list of all such schemes, which the ministry/department is proposing for continuation beyond 12th Five Year Plan.

It also pointed out that the posts which are created for the schemes shall continue to exist till the period of extension i.e till September 30, 2017.