NEW DELHI, Nov 12: The Centre on Tuesday released Rs 266.8 crore in grants for rural local bodies in Kerala for FY25 and Rs 27 crore has also been released for rural local bodies in Meghalaya for FY22.
In Kerala, this funding will benefit 14 district panchayats, 152 block panchayats, and 941 gram panchayats in the state, as part of the second installment under the 15th Finance Commission (XV FC). In addition, the first installment of untied grants for rural local bodies in Meghalaya, amounting to Rs 27 crore, has also been released for FY22. These funds are designated for the three autonomous district councils in Meghalaya—Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia.
The grants, released by the Ministry of Finance, aim to address the location-specific needs of rural local bodies and strengthen the functioning of Panchayati Raj institutions. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with the Ministry of Jal Shakti, facilitates the release of these untied grants, which are allocated in two installments each financial year.
The move is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance rural self-governance and empower local bodies across India. Last week, similar grants were released for rural local bodies in Haryana, Tripura, and Mizoram, with significant amounts earmarked for these regions as well. The Centre is committed to fostering the development of Panchayati Raj institutions through such financial support.
