Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The Andhra Pradesh government has received a significant boost with the release of the second installment of untied grants from the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) by the Union government. The Ministry of Finance on Tuesday announced the release of Rs 420.9989 crore as the second instalment of untied grants for the financial year 2024-25, along with the withheld amount of the first instalment, totaling Rs 25.4898 crore. These funds will be distributed to all 13 eligible District Panchayats, 650 duly elected Block Panchayats, and 13,097 eligible Gram Panchayats across the state. 

The untied grants, recommended by the XV FC, provide flexibility to Panchayati Raj Institutions to utilize funds for various development activities as per local needs, covering 29 subjects outlined in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution. However, these funds cannot be used for salaries or other establishment costs.

The Centre's direct release of these grants to PRIs aims to empower local governance, foster accountability, and encourage self-reliance at the village level. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas,’ empowering local institutions to play a crucial role in India's journey towards becoming a developed nation.