The Union government has released ₹213.9 crore to strengthen rural local bodies in Assam, providing a boost to grassroots governance and local development initiatives across the state.
According to an official statement, the funds have been released as untied grants under the 15th Finance Commission for the current financial year. The amount is intended to support the functioning of Panchayati Raj institutions and enable them to address local development priorities more effectively.
The grants will benefit 2,192 Gram Panchayats, 182 Block Panchayats and 27 Zilla Parishads in Assam. As untied funds, the grants give local bodies flexibility to utilise the money for area-specific needs falling under the 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution, including basic infrastructure, sanitation, drinking water, and community assets. However, the funds cannot be used to meet salary or establishment-related expenses.
Officials said the release is aimed at strengthening democratic decentralisation by empowering local self-governing institutions to plan and implement development works based on local requirements. The funds are expected to improve service delivery in rural areas and enhance the capacity of Panchayats to undertake development activities.
The Centre noted that such grants play a crucial role in improving accountability and efficiency at the grassroots level, while also complementing state government initiatives in rural development.
With this financial support, rural local bodies in Assam are expected to accelerate development works and improve civic amenities, contributing to overall socio-economic growth in the state.
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