New Guidelines Enhance Efficiency in Appraising Public Projects, Allow Ministry-Level Approval for Schemes Up to Rs. 500 Crore.

The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, has issued new guidelines to enhance the efficiency of appraising and approving public funded schemes and projects. These guidelines, released on August 5, 2016, aim to implement outcome evaluation for better public service delivery, aligning with the government's expenditure reforms. The guidelines eliminate the Plan Non-Plan distinction, simplifying the appraisal framework. Ministries can now appraise projects up to Rs. 500 crore through their Standing Finance Committees and Delegated Investment Boards, with specific timeframes established for faster decision-making. This initiative is part of a broader effort to create a growth-friendly financial ecosystem.