The Union Finance Ministry opened a two‑day “Chintan Shivir” in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, on Thursday and Friday to discuss how states can keep cash flowing just in time, use artificial intelligence in public work, and improve centrally sponsored schemes.
Finance teams from Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Delhi and Rajasthan joined the session. The goal was to swap ideas, raise questions, and find a smoother, more coordinated way to move money from the centre to the states.
Rajasthan’s finance officials presented how their Integrated Financial Management System works hand‑in‑hand with the Public Financial Management System and other central fund‑flow tools to push money to the ground on time. It showed how technology can cut delays and keep state projects on track.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology hosted another discussion on why AI can help government departments make better decisions. Participants looked at AI’s strengths – speed, data crunching, and pattern spotting – and also the hurdles, such as data privacy and the need for skilled staff. Leaders noted that AI can speed up policy creation and help officials spot emerging problems quickly.
On the final day, the Expenditure Department asked states to explain how centrally sponsored schemes are being re‑appraised as the 15th Finance Commission cycle ends on March 31, 2026. Small groups of four officials presented fresh angles on how to make government services more efficient and responsive.
The government has also asked every ministry to submit extra information on all central‑sector and centrally sponsored schemes that finish or continue after March 31, 2026. The memo from the Department of Expenditure says each department must add comments on third‑party evaluations, lay out budget plans for the next five years, and explain why any scheme components are being dropped or changed.
By bringing finance officials together in a relaxed forum, the Ministry hopes to simplify money flow, harness AI, and fine‑tune central schemes – all while keeping the systems fast, transparent and ready for the next decade of public service.
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