Centre Releases ₹224 Crore XV Finance Commission Grants for Rural Bodies in Chhattisgarh
The total amount released stands at ₹224.5762 crore and will benefit a wide network of grassroots institutions, including 11,279 eligible Gram Panchayats, 138 Block Panchayats, and 26 District Panchayats. The release marks a significant step towards strengthening decentralised governance and accelerating rural development in the state.
The XV Finance Commission grants are recommended jointly by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation) and are released by the Ministry of Finance. These grants are disbursed to states in two instalments each financial year, subject to fulfilment of prescribed conditions.
The first instalment released to Chhattisgarh reflects the Centre’s continued focus on empowering rural institutions to plan and execute development works based on local priorities. By directly funding PRIs and RLBs, the government aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in rural administration.
Flexible Use of Untied Grants
The Untied Grants provided under the XV Finance Commission framework give Panchayati Raj Institutions flexibility to utilise funds according to local needs. These grants can be spent on development activities linked to the twenty-nine subjects listed under the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution.
However, the funds cannot be used for salaries or other establishment-related expenses. Instead, they are intended to support community-centric works such as rural infrastructure, local services, and welfare initiatives that directly impact the quality of life in villages.
Tied Grants for Basic Services
In addition to Untied Grants, the XV Finance Commission framework also includes Tied Grants, which are earmarked for specific basic services. These primarily focus on sanitation and drinking water, two critical pillars of public health and rural well-being.
The sanitation component includes maintaining Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, solid and liquid waste management, treatment of household waste, and fecal sludge management. The drinking water component covers supply systems, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling initiatives.
Boost to Rural Development in Chhattisgarh
The release of over ₹224 crore is expected to significantly boost development efforts in rural Chhattisgarh. Gram Panchayats, which form the foundation of local self-governance, will be better equipped to address pressing issues such as sanitation infrastructure, water availability, village connectivity, and community assets.
Block and District Panchayats will also play a crucial role in planning and coordinating development activities, ensuring that funds are utilised effectively and equitably across regions.
Strengthening Decentralisation and Accountability
The XV Finance Commission grants align with the broader vision of strengthening decentralisation and empowering local governments to function as effective units of governance. By providing predictable and performance-linked funding, the Centre aims to encourage prudent financial management and outcome-oriented planning at the grassroots level.
For Chhattisgarh, the timely release of the first instalment sets the stage for accelerated rural development during the current financial year, with a strong emphasis on basic services, sustainability, and inclusive growth.