Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF) (2007) (launched by Ministry of Panchayat Raj)

It was launched to redress regional imbalances in development by providing funds for supplementing and converging existing developmental inflows in the identified districts. Central funds are released to states under various Central Sector/Centrally Sponsored Schemes.

• As of 2018, 272 districts have been covered under BGRF. It classifies states on the basis of parameters relating to income deprivation, health and education status, social backwardness and infrastructural inadequacy etc.
• Major issues with BGRF are – irregular release of grants and poor utilization of allocated funds (only 35% used as of 2012). Hence the central government and district administration must act swiftly to overcome these issues.