Union Government Releases Finance Grants to Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan Panchayats
The Union Government has announced the release of the first installment of the Fifteenth Finance Commission grants for the financial year 2024-25 to Rural Local Bodies in Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan. This was confirmed by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
Grants for Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh has received untied grants of Rs 395.5091 crores and tied grants of Rs 593.2639 crores. These funds are allocated to 9 District Panchayats, 615 Block Panchayats, and 12,853 Gram Panchayats.
Grants for Rajasthan
Rajasthan has been allocated untied grants of Rs 507.1177 crores and tied grants of Rs 760.6769 crores. The funds are designated for 22 District Panchayats, 287 Block Panchayats, and 9,068 Gram Panchayats.
Purpose of the Grants
The untied grants allow Panchayats to address local needs across 29 subjects under the Eleventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution, including agriculture, rural housing, education, and sanitation. Tied grants focus on core services like sanitation, maintaining open-defecation free status, and water management.
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Ministry of Jal Shakti recommend these grants, which are released by the Ministry of Finance in two installments each financial year. These funds empower Panchayats to manage essential services and infrastructure, promoting local self-governance in line with Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of ‘Gram Swaraj’.
Doubts Revealed
Union Government -: The Union Government is the central government of India, which is responsible for governing the entire country. It makes decisions and provides funds for various projects and services across all states.
Finance Grants -: Finance grants are sums of money given by the government to support specific projects or services. These grants help local bodies like Panchayats to improve infrastructure and provide essential services to the community.
Andhra Pradesh -: Andhra Pradesh is a state in the southeastern part of India. It is known for its rich culture, history, and beautiful landscapes.
Rajasthan -: Rajasthan is a state in the northwestern part of India. It is famous for its deserts, palaces, and vibrant cultural heritage.
Panchayats -: Panchayats are local government bodies in villages and small towns in India. They are responsible for making decisions and managing resources to improve the community’s living conditions.
Fifteenth Finance Commission -: The Fifteenth Finance Commission is a group set up by the Indian government to decide how money should be distributed between the central government and the states. It ensures that funds are allocated fairly to meet the needs of different regions.
Untied Grants -: Untied grants are funds given to local bodies without specific conditions on how they should be used. This allows Panchayats to decide how best to use the money for their community’s needs.
Tied Grants -: Tied grants are funds given with specific conditions on how they should be used. This ensures that the money is spent on particular projects or services, like building roads or schools.
