Union Government Disburses Finance Commission Grants to Kerala and Meghalaya
The Union Government has distributed the Fifteenth Finance Commission Grants for the fiscal year 2024-25, benefiting Rural Local Bodies in Kerala and Meghalaya. These grants aim to enhance local self-governance and essential services in rural areas, promoting sustainable development.
Grants for Kerala
Kerala received the second installment of Untied Grants, totaling Rs266.80 crore. This funding supports 14 District Panchayats, 152 Block Panchayats, and 941 Gram Panchayats across the state.
Grants for Meghalaya
In Meghalaya, the first installment of Untied Grants for 2021-22, amounting to Rs27 crore, was disbursed to the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia Autonomous District Councils.
Purpose of the Grants
The grants, recommended by the Ministries of Panchayati Raj and Jal Shakti, were approved by the Ministry of Finance. They are released biannually, allowing Rural Local Bodies to address local needs across 29 subjects defined in the Eleventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution, excluding salaries and establishment costs.
Untied Grants provide flexibility, while Tied Grants focus on sanitation, waste management, and water-related initiatives. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of inclusive growth, reinforcing Panchayati Raj Institutions as pillars of national development.
Doubts Revealed
Union Government -: The Union Government is the central government of India, which makes decisions and laws for the entire country. It is led by the Prime Minister and includes various ministries and departments.
Finance Commission Grants -: Finance Commission Grants are funds given by the central government to states in India. These grants help states manage their finances and improve local services.
Kerala -: Kerala is a state in the southern part of India. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, backwaters, and rich culture.
Meghalaya -: Meghalaya is a state in the northeastern part of India. It is famous for its hills, rainforests, and diverse tribal cultures.
Rural Local Bodies -: Rural Local Bodies are local government institutions in villages and small towns. They help manage local issues and provide services like water, roads, and schools.
Panchayats -: Panchayats are local government bodies in villages in India. They are responsible for making decisions and managing resources for the community.
Autonomous District Councils -: Autonomous District Councils are special local government bodies in some areas of India, like Meghalaya. They have more power to make decisions for their regions, especially for tribal communities.
Ministries of Panchayati Raj and Jal Shakti -: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is responsible for strengthening local governance in villages, while the Ministry of Jal Shakti focuses on water resources and sanitation in India.
Prime Minister Modi -: Prime Minister Modi is the current Prime Minister of India. He leads the central government and works on policies for the country’s development.
Inclusive growth -: Inclusive growth means economic growth that benefits everyone, including people in rural and underdeveloped areas. It aims to reduce poverty and inequality.