The Centre announced the release of over Rs 299 crore to bolster Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in Assam for the fiscal year 2025–26. This funding, part of the 15th Finance Commission (XV-FC) grants, includes the second instalment of Untied Grants totaling Rs 256.60 crore. The allocation aims to benefit 27 District Panchayats, 182 Block Panchayats, and 2,192 Gram Panchayats across the state.
The grants will also support three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in Assam, namely Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), and Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (DHAC). Additionally, Rs 42.70 crore from the first instalment of Untied Grants for FY 2025–26 was released to these ADCs after meeting eligibility criteria. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Jal Shakti recommend the release of XV-FC grants to states for empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions and rural local bodies.
The funds, allocated in two instalments during a financial year, are intended for location-specific needs under the 29 subjects outlined in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution, excluding salaries and establishment costs. The Untied Grants can be utilized by PRIs and rural local bodies for various purposes, while Tied Grants are designated for essential services like sanitation, maintenance of open defecation-free status, and water-related projects such as rainwater harvesting and recycling.
