The Centre has greenlit over ₹1,133 crore in grants to bolster grassroots democracy in three states: Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Telangana. Announced Friday, these 15th Finance Commission funds for FY 2025-26 will invigorate Panchayati Raj Institutions and Rural Local Bodies.
Madhya Pradesh leads with ₹652.55 crore—the second untied instalment for FY 2024-25—set to empower 52 district panchayats, 312 block panchayats, and 23,001 gram panchayats. An extra ₹77 lakh revives stalled funds for three blocks and six villages.
Punjab’s share stands at ₹222 crore, the first untied tranche for 2025-26, benefiting 22 district panchayats, 150 blocks, and 13,262 gram panchayats. This funding arrives amid ongoing efforts to streamline rural administration.
In Telangana, ₹256.03 crore marks the first 2024-25 instalment for 12,702 gram panchayats, complemented by ₹2.33 crore from released FY 2023-24 withholdings for 40 blocks and 11 villages.
Flexibly deployable untied grants sidestep salary expenses to tackle local challenges head-on. Tied grants hone in on sanitation, ODF maintenance, waste treatment, potable water, harvesting, and recycling. This multifaceted approach promises lasting impact on rural India’s developmental landscape.