Assam Receives ₹213.9 Crore in Untied Grants for Rural Development
Guwahati, Jan 22: The central government has allocated ₹213.9 crore as the first installment of the XV Finance Commission Untied Grants aimed at supporting Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in Assam.
This funding marks the initial release for the fiscal year 2025-26.
The grants will benefit a total of 2,192 eligible gram panchayats, 182 block panchayats, and 27 zila parishads throughout the state.
According to an official statement, the Government of India, through the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation), endorses the distribution of XV-FC grants to states for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and RLBs. The Ministry of Finance subsequently disburses these funds. The grants are typically allocated in two installments each financial year.
The Untied Grants are intended for PRIs/RLBs to address specific local needs, focusing on the 29 subjects outlined in the 11th Schedule of the Constitution, excluding salaries and other administrative expenses.
These grants can be utilized for essential services such as (a) sanitation and maintaining Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, which includes the management and treatment of household waste, as well as human excreta and fecal sludge management, and (b) providing drinking water, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling initiatives.