New Delhi, Sept. 28 -- The Centre is preparing to seek the Union Cabinet's approval to extend about a dozen flagship welfare and development schemes, including those for school meals, green energy, textiles, fisheries and justice, for five years until 2030-31, according to three government officials aware of the plan.

Several of these schemes were granted interim extensions that are set to expire on 30 September, they said, requesting anonymity. The appraisal and approval process for their extension comes against the backdrop of a busy political calendar, with assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa due in 2027.

Experts say that timely extension of marquee schemes brings greater certainty for beneficiar...