Shillong, Nov 12: The Centre has released ₹27 crore to the three autonomous district councils ADCs in Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, and Garo Hills in the state as untied grants for rural local bodies (RLBs).
The grant was the first instalment of financial year 2021–22 under 15th Finance Commission.
The allocated grants are recommended and released in two installments in a financial year, according to an official release.
“These funds are instrumental in making RLBs/PRIs (panchayati raj institutions) more capable, accountable, and self-reliant, thereby driving sustainable development across rural regions,” it said.
Aligned with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Viswas, Sabka Prayas’, this initiative promotes inclusive growth and participatory democracy, it added.
The funds, designated for location-specific needs, were released to the states for RLBs following recommendations by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation).
They untied grants cover expenses across 29 subjects outlined in the 11th Schedule of the Constitution, with the exception of expenses related to salaries and other establishment costs.
Meanwhile, the union government also released 15th Finance Commission Grants during financial year 2024–25 for RLBs in Kerala for the 2nd installment of Untied Grants amounting to ₹266.80 crore.
The funds are meant for 14 district panchayats, 152 block panchayats and 941 gram panchayats in the state.
