The exercise is expected to be completed before the next exercise, after which the DMEO will propose the necessary changes to the CS and CSS to prevent leaks and ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach those targeted, a senior government official told ET.

“The idea is to assess the success of these programs on the ground. This type of investigation will help prevent leakage and improve the effectiveness of the implementation of these programs in the future while ensuring that the Benefits go to the people who deserve it the most,” the official added. .

The exercise also aims to provide flexibility to States in the implementation of these programs by reducing the proliferation of these programs.

Some of the costly programs to assess include Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, Ayushman Bharat, National Social Assistance Scheme and Food and Fertilizer Subsidy among others.

The 2022-23 budget had allocated ₹11.8 lakh crore, almost the same as the revised estimate of ₹11.9 lakh crore but 12.5% ​​less than ₹13.5 lakh crore spent on social sector programs in 2020-21, which was the first year of the pandemic.