Did the Centre Release Over Rs 94 Crore to Boost Rural Local Bodies in Uttarakhand?
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Synopsis
The Centre's recent allocation of over Rs 94 crore aims to significantly enhance rural governance in Uttarakhand, boosting local bodies' capabilities and ensuring better service delivery. This funding is crucial for empowering communities and driving sustainable development.
Key Takeaways
- Central Government allocates Rs 94.236 crore for Uttarakhand.
- Funds aim to empower rural local bodies.
- Untied Grants for local needs, excluding salaries.
- Tied Grants for sanitation and water management.
- Innovative tools launched to enhance transparency.
New Delhi, Dec 19 (NationPress) The Central Government has allocated Rs 94.236 crore to enhance the capabilities of rural local bodies in Uttarakhand for the fiscal year 2025-26, as per a statement from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj released on Friday.
This allocation includes the second installment of Untied Grants for the fiscal year 2024-25, amounting to Rs 94.10 crore, designated for all eligible 13 district panchayats, 95 block panchayats, and 7,784 gram panchayats in the mountainous region. Additionally, Rs 13.60 lakhs has been released for the withheld portion of the first installment of Untied Grants for FY 2024-25, benefiting 15 additional gram panchayats.
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation) advocate for the release of 15th Finance Commission Grants for Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), which are subsequently disbursed by the Ministry of Finance in two phases throughout the financial year.
Untied Grants are designed to be utilized by Rural Local Bodies and PRIs for addressing specific local needs under the 29 subjects outlined in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution, with the exception of salaries and other operational costs. In contrast, Tied Grants are specifically allocated for essential services related to sanitation and maintaining Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status, which encompasses the management and treatment of household waste, human excreta, and fecal sludge, as well as the supply of drinking water, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling.
Earlier in November of this year, the Centre released over Rs 223 crore for rural local bodies in Assam and another Rs 444.38 crore to fortify panchayats in Odisha as part of the 15th Finance Commission grants.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has initiated projects like SabhaSaar — an AI-enhanced tool for documenting and summarizing Gram Sabha proceedings, SVAMITVA for digital land mapping and property rights, and eGramSwaraj for integrated online planning, accounting, and monitoring.
In addition, Gram Manchitra has been introduced 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
It is evident that the government is taking proactive steps to enhance local governance. This investment signifies a commitment to empower communities and address their specific needs, ultimately contributing to sustainable development. The initiatives launched alongside this funding reflect a modern approach to governance, emphasizing transparency and citizen participation.
NationPress
20/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Rs 94 crore allocation?
The allocation aims to strengthen rural local bodies in Uttarakhand, enhancing their capacity to address local needs and improve governance.
How will the Untied Grants be used?
Untied Grants can be utilized for location-specific projects under the 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution, excluding salaries and operational costs.
What are Tied Grants meant for?
Tied Grants are earmarked for essential services related to sanitation and maintaining Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status, along with water supply and waste management.
Who recommends the release of these grants?
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Jal Shakti recommend the release of the 15th Finance Commission Grants, which are then disbursed by the Ministry of Finance.
What initiatives have been launched by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj?
Initiatives include SabhaSaar for documenting Gram Sabha proceedings, SVAMITVA for digital land mapping, and eGramSwaraj for online planning and monitoring.
