The government is planning to merge various social welfare schemes into 59 schemes. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, minister of state for planning Ashwani Kumar said that Planning Commission had constituted a sub committee to study the social welfare schemes.

The committee has recommended rationalisation of 147 centrally sponsored schemes into 59 schemes. He said the merger of these schemes will enable more effective implementation.

Mr. Kumar informed the House that the report of the committee has been circulated to all chief ministers for their views.