The Government of India has released the second installment of grants under the Fifteenth Finance Commission for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Rural Local Bodies in Assam for the financial year 2025–26.
A total of Rs 256.60 crore has been released as untied grants for all eligible District Panchayats, Block Panchayats, Gram Panchayats and Autonomous District Councils in the state. The funds were released through the Ministry of Finance based on recommendations from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The grants will benefit 27 District Panchayats, 182 Block Panchayats and 2,192 Gram Panchayats across the state. In addition, the three Autonomous District Councils in Assam — Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) and Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (DHAC) — are also eligible to receive the funds.
Funds released for autonomous councils
Along with the second installment, the Centre has also released Rs 42.70 crore, which was the withheld portion of the first installment of untied grants for the current financial year. This amount has been disbursed to the three eligible Autonomous District Councils — BTC, KAAC and DHAC.
Officials said the release of the funds is expected to strengthen rural governance and improve the delivery of essential services through local bodies in the state.
Utilisation of grants
The untied grants will be used by Panchayati Raj Institutions and rural local bodies to address location-specific development needs under the 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution. However, the funds cannot be used for salaries or other establishment-related expenses.
Meanwhile, tied grants are meant for providing basic services such as sanitation and drinking water. These include maintaining Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, managing household waste and human excreta, fecal sludge management, and improving drinking water supply systems. The funds can also be used for rainwater harvesting and water recycling initiatives in rural areas.
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