What is the Centre's contribution of over Rs 717 crore to strengthen rural local bodies in Maharashtra?
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Synopsis
The Union Government has released Rs 717.17 crore to enhance rural governance in Maharashtra. This funding supports various local bodies and aims to foster infrastructure and service improvements, ensuring better citizen engagement and transparency in local administration.
Key Takeaways
- The Centre allocated Rs 717.17 crore to Maharashtra's rural local bodies.
- Funding supports panchayati raj institutions and local governance.
- Untied grants can address specific local needs.
- Initiatives enhance transparency and citizen participation.
- Focus on sanitation, drinking water, and infrastructure development.
New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) The Union Government has allocated Rs 717.17 crore to enhance rural local bodies in Maharashtra as part of the initial disbursement of untied grants for the fiscal year 2025-26 under the 15th Finance Commission, according to an announcement made by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj on Friday.
The financial assistance has been directed to duly elected and qualified rural local bodies across the state, including two district panchayats (Zilla Parishads), 15 block panchayats (panchayat samitis), and 26,544 gram panchayats.
The government, via the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation), endorses the release of 15th Finance Commission grants to states for Panchayati Raj Institutions, which are subsequently disbursed by the Ministry of Finance. The assigned grants are distributed in two phases within a financial year.
Untied Grants can be utilized by panchayati raj institutions and rural local bodies to address area-specific requirements under the 29 subjects outlined in the Eleventh Schedule, excluding salary and administrative expenses.
Tied grants may be employed for basic sanitation services and maintaining ODF (open defecation-free) status, which encompasses management and treatment of household waste, as well as human excreta and faecal sludge management. These grants can also be allocated for drinking water supply, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling.
Earlier in November this year, the Centre disbursed over Rs 223 crore for rural local bodies in Assam and an additional Rs 444.38 crore to bolster panchayati bodies in Odisha as part of the 15th Finance Commission grants.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has introduced various initiatives, including SabhaSaar—an AI-driven tool for documenting and summarizing Gram Sabha sessions, SVAMITVA for digital land mapping and property rights, and eGramSwaraj for comprehensive online planning, accounting, and monitoring.
Additionally, Gram Manchitra has been implemented for geo-spatial planning. These platforms not only enhance transparency and efficiency but also empower citizens to engage more actively in local governance.
Point of View
Ensuring that rural communities can address their specific needs effectively. The initiatives under the Ministry of Panchayati Raj signal a move towards greater transparency and civic involvement, aligning with national objectives of empowerment and development.
NationPress
13/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are untied grants?
Untied grants are funds provided to local bodies that can be used for various location-specific needs without restrictions, except for salaries and establishment costs.
How will the funds be utilized?
The funds can be used for infrastructure development, sanitation, drinking water supply, and other local services as identified by the rural local bodies.
What initiatives has the Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched?
Initiatives include SabhaSaar for documenting Gram Sabha proceedings, SVAMITVA for digital land mapping, and eGramSwaraj for integrated online planning.
What is the significance of these grants?
These grants empower local bodies to enhance governance, improve service delivery, and engage citizens in the decision-making process.
Which areas will benefit from this funding?
The funding will support two district panchayats, 15 block panchayats, and over 26,000 gram panchayats in Maharashtra.
