With the release of the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) funding for Rural Local Bodies in Assam for the fiscal year 2025–2026, the Union Government has significantly accelerated grassroots development throughout the state. The second tranche of Untied Grants for 2024–2025, totaling Rs 219.24 crore, is included in the most recent disbursement. All 27 District Panchayats, 182 Block Panchayats, and 2,192 Gram Panchayats in Assam that qualify will get these monies. Furthermore, Rs 4.698 crore that was previously withheld from the first installment of Untied Grants for 2024–2025 has been released by the Center. After verification, 26 Block Panchayats that were found to be further eligible have now received this sum.
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation jointly recommend the distribution of XV Finance Commission funding for Panchayati Raj Institutions and Rural Local Bodies, according to the government. The money is then released by the Ministry of Finance in two installments every fiscal year. With the exception of wages and installation expenses, the Untied Grants are meant for location-specific developmental needs determined by Panchayati Raj Institutions under the 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution. These adaptable funds enable local organizations to tackle grassroots issues like welfare requirements, local roads, infrastructure gaps, and community assets.
In the meantime, vital services like sanitation, preserving ODF status, handling household waste and fecal sludge, and guaranteeing a sustainable supply of drinking water are still supported by Tied Grants under the XV Finance Commission. They can also be utilized for water recycling programs and rainwater collection. The Union Government hopes to improve rural governance, increase basic service delivery, and quicken village-level development throughout Assam with the most recent release.
