Patna: The Central Government has released the second installment of untied grants under the 15th Finance Commission to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions across the country. Under this allocation, Bihar has received ₹802.40 crore to boost rural development and empower local self-governments.
In addition, ₹1.39 crore has been released from the withheld portion of the first installment for three Panchayat Samitis and seven Gram Panchayats in the state.
Additional Funds to Accelerate Rural Development
The newly released funds are expected to provide fresh momentum to development activities undertaken by Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads. The untied grants will enable local bodies to implement welfare schemes based on local priorities and ensure faster execution of grassroots projects.
The state government said the allocation would significantly strengthen Bihar’s three-tier Panchayati Raj system and accelerate rural infrastructure and service delivery.
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Minister Deepak Prakash Had Submitted Memorandum to Centre
Earlier on January 27, Bihar Panchayati Raj Minister Deepak Prakash met Union Panchayati Raj Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh) and submitted a memorandum concerning pending financial matters related to the department.
The memorandum included requests for:
- Release of ₹803.79 crore recommended under the 15th Finance Commission
- ₹2,622.65 crore in pending health sector grants
- Annual financial assistance for operation and maintenance of Panchayat Sarkar Bhawans constructed in Gram Panchayats
Demand for National Gram Swaraj Abhiyan Funds
The state minister also urged the Centre to release the pending ₹83 crore under the National Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) scheme.
Additionally, he requested enhanced budgetary allocation for:
- Strengthening computer labs in District Panchayat Resource Centres
- Effective implementation of e-governance initiatives
- Smooth delivery of IT-based services at the Panchayat level
These measures aim to modernise rural governance and improve digital service delivery in villages.
Minister Thanks Centre for Timely Release
Following the release of ₹803.79 crore under the 15th Finance Commission recommendations, Minister Deepak Prakash expressed gratitude to Union Minister Lalan Singh.
He stated that the funds would speed up public welfare works in Gram Panchayats and help bring locally planned development schemes to the ground more efficiently.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions and ensuring that government welfare schemes reach the last person in rural areas.
Boost to Bihar’s Three-Tier Panchayati Raj System
The release of the second installment is expected to further strengthen Bihar’s rural governance framework by enhancing financial autonomy and enabling Panchayats to address local development needs effectively.
With increased financial support, Gram Panchayats will be better positioned to implement infrastructure, health, sanitation and livelihood-related initiatives across the state.
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