English
The central government has decided to conduct a comprehensive review of all major central schemes ahead of Budget 2026. The objective of this exercise is to make government spending more effective and to ensure that the benefits of schemes reach the rightful beneficiaries. According to sources associated with the Ministry of Finance, several schemes have been running for years, but the ground level impact of some of them has not been in line with expectations. As a result, the government is now moving towards a systematic evaluation.
In this review process, priority will be given to schemes that provide similar types of facilities or have overlapping objectives. In such cases, there is a possibility of merging schemes or restructuring their framework. Officials believe that this will not only reduce the administrative burden but will also enable better utilization of government resources.
Another important objective of this pre budget review is to understand the gap between expenditure on government schemes and their actual outcomes. It has often been observed that large amounts are allocated to schemes, but at the final stage the benefits reach only a limited section of people. The government now wants to assess, based on data and feedback, which schemes are truly bringing change to people’s lives.
The Ministry of Finance has directed all concerned ministries and departments to prepare detailed evaluation reports of their respective schemes. These reports will include a clear description of the scheme’s objectives, the number of beneficiaries, the amount spent, and the impact achieved so far. Based on these assessments, decisions will be taken on which schemes should be continued, which should be modified, and which should be phased out gradually.
Government officials have stated that this process is not intended to abruptly discontinue any scheme. Rather, the aim is to make schemes more effective and result oriented. The government has also made it clear that schemes related to social security, health, education, and welfare of the poor will receive special attention so that there is no inconvenience in these critical areas.
In the context of preparing Budget 2026, this review is considered important because the government may face the challenge of maintaining fiscal balance in the coming years. Experts believe that eliminating unnecessary duplication among schemes can lead to significant savings, and the saved funds can be utilized for new development initiatives.
This process will also have an impact on the general public. Changes in rules and eligibility criteria of several schemes are possible. In some schemes, digital processes may be further strengthened to maintain transparency in benefit distribution. The government has already indicated that future schemes will be more technology driven and data oriented.
Schemes related to rural development, women empowerment, employment, and agriculture are also undergoing special review. A large number of schemes are being implemented in these sectors, and the government wants to ensure that their actual benefits reach the needy. For this purpose, feedback is also being taken from state governments so that the ground level situation can be better understood.
According to experts, this step can make government policies more stable and credible in the long term. When the number of schemes is limited and clearly defined, monitoring their implementation becomes easier. This can also reduce the chances of corruption and irregularities.
However, some social organizations have suggested that during the review process it should be ensured that the benefits of any scheme are not suddenly stopped. The government will have to ensure that changes are implemented gradually so that beneficiaries receive timely information and can prepare themselves according to the new rules.
Overall, this comprehensive review of government schemes before Budget 2026 can play a crucial role in shaping the direction of policymaking in the coming period. If this process is implemented in a balanced and transparent manner, it will improve the quality of government spending and strengthen public trust. In the coming days, it will become clear which schemes the government plans to give a new direction and in which areas new initiatives will be undertaken.
