---
title: "Discretionary Grants (Article 282) Explained"
description: "Discretionary grants under Article 282 allow the Union or States to fund public purposes beyond legislative limits, crucial for flexible governance."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/discretionary-grants-article-282"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Discretionary grants under Article 282 of the Indian Constitution empower the Union or any State to make grants for any public purpose, even outside its normal legislative competence.
- How do Article 282 grants differ from Article 275 grants-in-aid?
- Can a State, not just the Union, make grants under Article 282?
- Why is Article 282 controversial in fiscal federalism debates?
- Did the Supreme Court rule on the validity of Article 282 grants?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Discretionary grants under Article 282 of the Indian Constitution empower the Union or any State to make grants for any public purpose, even outside its normal legislative competence.

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In 2015 the Government of India, through the Ministry of Rural Development in New Delhi, continued funding the MGNREGA scheme under Article 282, since employment guarantee falls within the State List.

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