Tue Feb 18 13:35:33 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Urges Faster Release of Central Funds for Welfare Schemes

**Chennai, February 18, 2025** – Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has urged the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, to expedite the release of funds for Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS). In a letter, Mr. Stalin highlighted that ₹716.05 crore allocated for schemes like Mission Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0, Mission Shakti, and Mission Vatsalya remained unspent as of January 29, 2025, due to delayed releases from the central government.

The Chief Minister emphasized the difficulty in utilizing such large sums before the end of the financial year, leading to funds being carried over. He criticized the delayed release of funds, noting that the Government of India’s share often arrives only at the end of a quarter or even later. A significant portion of the unspent balance (₹409 crore) is attributed to Mission Saksham Anganwadi & POSHAN 2.0. Further delays were noted in the release of funds for Mission Vatsalya and Mission Shakti, with major portions arriving only in April and May of 2024.

Mr. Stalin also pointed out the complete lack of central funding for the Pradhan Mantri Mathru Vandhana Yojana (PMMVY) for the past two years, hindering the state’s ability to provide its share of funds as per scheme guidelines. He also mentioned that ₹30.65 crore is currently inaccessible due to API issues. While ₹482.80 crore is expected to be utilized by the end of the current financial year, the remaining balance, along with the pending central government share, will be carried over. The Chief Minister stressed the need for timely fund disbursement to ensure the efficient implementation of crucial welfare programs.

Read More