The Centre has allocated over ₹223 crore to bolster rural local governance in Assam as part of the 15th Finance Commission grants for the fiscal year 2025-26, according to a statement from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. This funding marks the second installment of untied grants for the previous financial year 2024-25, amounting to ₹219.24 crore, designated for all qualifying 27 District Panchayats, 182 Block Panchayats, and 2,192 Gram Panchayats in the state.
Additionally, ₹4.698 crore from the withheld portion of the first installment of untied grants for 2024-25 has also been made available to 26 more Block Panchayats, which met the eligibility criteria. The Indian government, through the Ministries of Panchayati Raj and Jal Shakti, recommends these grants for Panchayati Raj Institutions, with the Ministry of Finance handling their release.
Grants are issued in two installments each fiscal year. Untied grants can be utilized by rural local bodies to address specific regional needs in line with the 29 subjects specified in the Eleventh Schedule, but they cannot be used for salaries and administrative costs. Conversely, tied grants are intended for essential sanitation services and maintaining Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status, encompassing the management of household waste and human excreta.
These funds can also support initiatives like providing drinking water, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has implemented various programs such as SabhaSaar, an AI-driven tool for documenting Gram Sabha meetings, SVAMITVA for digital property mapping, and eGramSwaraj for online planning and monitoring. Furthermore, Gram Manchitra has been introduced for geo-spatial planning. These platforms aim to enhance transparency and efficiency while encouraging greater citizen engagement in local governance.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/11/14/centre-releases-over-rs-223-crore-to-strengthen-rural-local-bodies-in-assam/
Category: NATIONAL,News Alert
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Publish Date: 2025-11-14 14:09:00
