The Planning & Convergence Department has emerged as one of the major nodal departments of the State Government. This Department plays a vital role in evolving effective and sustainable short term and long-term strategies for overall development of the State. This Department prepares policy framework for development and is also responsible for co-ordinating the efforts of different Development Departments. Keeping in view the needs and aspirations of the people and within the broad framework of the long-term development strategies and priorities envisaged for the State, the Department formulates Annual and Five-Year Plans in accordance with the guidelines of the NITI Aayog and as per the directions received from the Government.

The Department undertakes regular monitoring and review of the implementation of Plan Programmes and effects necessary adjustments in the Plans both in terms of physical content and resource allocation to ensure optimum realization of the Plan Objectives.

This Department also performs following tasks to measure the fathom of development in the State.

• Annual Plans and matters connected herewith
• District and Regional Plans
• Manpower projection and planning
• State Evaluation Unit
• Coordination and analysis of data required by the Government in execution of the Economic and Social Policy and interpretation of Statistics.

1. INTRODUCTION

   It was introduced in the State in the year 1997-98 as Special Problem Fund (SPF) Scheme. It has been renamed as CM-Special Assistance: Mukhyamantri Swatantra Sahayata from the year 2023-24.

2. OBJECTIVE
   • The Scheme aims at taking up essential projects of local importance.
   • The project proposals may be recommended by Hon’ble MLAs/ local Public representative/ field officers.
   • It helps in creation of useful community assets which benefit the community at large and it also take into account the emotion of local community.
   • It fills up the missing links to the existing development infrastructure.
   • Projects of district sector schemes/ subjects are considered.
3. NATURE OF PROJECTS
   • Preservation and renovation ancient monuments.
   • Repair, renovation and protection of Temples, Mosques and Churches and others public religious institutions across all communities.
   • Transformation of educational institutions with facilities of e-library, IT Lab/Science Lab and smart class rooms etc. and provision of additional infrastructure.
   • Construction of Community Halls, Public Roads, Small Bridges / Culverts/ Embankments etc.
   • Renovation of Public Utilities such as Park, Pond, Library, Bhagabat Mandap / Prayer Hall etc.
   • Assistance to Govt./Private Educational Institutions.
4. ANNUAL FUND ALLOCATION

   Year wise provision made under the scheme of Chief Minister-Special Assistance since inception is given below:

   Sl. No	Financial Year	Funds Sanctioned by Govt (Rs in Cr.)
   1	1997-98	0.93
   2	1998-99 to 1999-2000	1.00
   3	2000-01	5.00
   4	2001-02	3.00
   5	2002-03	19.30
   6	2003-04 to 2004-05	10.00
   7	2005-06 to 2006-07	1.00
   8	2007-08	5.00
   9	2008-09	40.00
   10	2009-10 to 2010-11	20.00
   11	2011-12 to 2012-13	40.00
   12	2013-14	75.00
   13	2014-15 to 2015-16	40.00
   14	2016-17	61.59
   15	2017-18	113.00
   16	2018-19	154.91
   18	2019-20 to 2021-22	100.00
   19	2022-23	300.00
   20	2023-24	2276.38
   21	2024-25	200.00

5. IN-ADMISSIBILITY:

   A project / work will be considered inadmissible for sanction of funds under CM-SA Scheme if

   • It is a programme of non-developmental nature or inconsequential for well being of the community.
   • It creates liabilities for the future.
   • It benefits an individual and not the public at large.
   • It is a proposal involving contingent expenditure.
   • Construction/completion of religious works.