How is the Centre Strengthening Rural Local Bodies in Gujarat and Haryana?
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Synopsis
Discover how the Centre's allocation of over Rs 730 crore is set to bolster rural local bodies in Gujarat and Haryana. This investment aims to enhance local governance and empower communities, fostering sustainable development and improved services in these regions.
Key Takeaways
- Centre allocates over Rs 730 crore to strengthen rural local bodies.
- Gujarat receives Rs 522.2 crore in Untied Grants.
- Haryana gets Rs 195.1 crore for rural development.
- Grants are aimed at improving local governance and services.
- Various initiatives to enhance transparency and efficiency in local governance.
New Delhi, Oct 21 (NationPress) The Centre has allocated over Rs 730 crore to enhance the capabilities of rural local bodies in Gujarat and Haryana as part of the 15th Finance Commission grants for the financial year 2025-26.
A total of Rs 522.2 crore has been distributed to Gujarat covering all 38 District Panchayats, 247 eligible Block Panchayats, and 14,547 eligible Gram Panchayats in the state, constituting the second instalment of Untied Grants for the Financial Year 2024–25. Additionally, Rs 13.6 crore from the withheld portion of the first instalment of Untied Grants for FY 2024–25 has also been disbursed to six newly eligible District Panchayats, five Block Panchayats, and 78 Gram Panchayats.
For Haryana, the Centre has released the initial instalment of Untied Grants for FY 2025–26, amounting to Rs 195.1 crore, which will benefit 18 District Panchayats, 134 eligible Block Panchayats, and 6,164 Gram Panchayats in the state.
The untied grants will facilitate rural local bodies in addressing specific local needs, aligned with the 29 subjects detailed in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution, excluding salaries and other establishment expenses, as clarified in the statement.
The tied grants are earmarked for fundamental services, including sanitation and the maintenance of ODF (open defecation-free) status, which encompasses the management and treatment of household waste, human excreta, and fecal sludge management in particular. These funds can also be allocated for drinking water supply, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling.
In the meantime, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has introduced initiatives like SabhaSaar — an AI-driven tool for documenting and summarizing Gram Sabha meetings, SVAMITVA for digital land mapping and property rights, and eGramSwaraj for integrated online planning, accounting, and monitoring. Additionally, Gram Manchitra has been launched for geo-spatial planning. These platforms enhance transparency and efficiency while empowering citizens to engage more actively in local governance.
Point of View
The recent allocation of over Rs 730 crore to strengthen rural local bodies in Gujarat and Haryana underscores the government's commitment to empowering local governance. By addressing specific regional needs and enhancing service delivery, this initiative can pave the way for sustainable development and improved living standards across rural communities.
NationPress
21/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Rs 730 crore allocation?
The allocation aims to strengthen rural local bodies in Gujarat and Haryana, enhancing local governance and addressing specific community needs.
How will the untied grants be utilized?
The untied grants will be used for various location-specific needs under the Constitution, excluding salaries and establishment costs.
Which states are receiving the funding?
The funding is being allocated to rural local bodies in Gujarat and Haryana.
What initiatives have been launched by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj?
Initiatives include SabhaSaar, SVAMITVA, eGramSwaraj, and Gram Manchitra, all aimed at improving transparency and citizen engagement.
What services can tied grants support?
Tied grants can support basic services like sanitation, drinking water supply, and waste management.
