Centre releases over ₹730 crore XV Finance Commission grants to strengthen rural local bodies in Gujarat and Haryana
According to the guidelines, Untied Grants are meant to address location-specific developmental needs under the 29 subjects of the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution — excluding expenditure on salaries and establishment costs.
New Delhi, October 21: The Union Government has released over ₹730 crore under the 15th Finance Commission (XV FC) grants for strengthening Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in Gujarat and Haryana during the Financial Year 2025–26.
In Gujarat, the Ministry of Finance has disbursed the second installment of Untied Grants for FY 2024–25, amounting to ₹522.20 crore, covering 38 District Panchayats, 247 Block Panchayats, and 14,547 Gram Panchayats. Additionally, ₹13.59 crore has been released as the withheld portion of the first installment, benefiting 6 District Panchayats, 5 Block Panchayats, and 78 Gram Panchayats that have now become eligible.
For Haryana, the Centre has released the first installment of Untied Grants for FY 2025–26, amounting to ₹195.12 crore, for 18 District Panchayats, 134 Block Panchayats, and 6,164 Gram Panchayats across the state.
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation) recommend these grants to the Ministry of Finance for release to the states. The funds are disbursed in two installments each financial year.
According to the guidelines, Untied Grants are meant to address location-specific developmental needs under the 29 subjects of the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution — excluding expenditure on salaries and establishment costs. Tied Grants, on the other hand, are earmarked for improving sanitation services, maintaining ODF (Open Defecation Free) status, managing household waste and fecal sludge, and ensuring drinking water supply, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling at the village level.
These releases underscore the Centre’s continued commitment to empowering local governance institutions and strengthening grassroots infrastructure in rural India.
