Bhubaneswar: The Union government has released over RS 1,536 crore as 15th Finance Commission (XV-FC) grants to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across eight states, with Odisha receiving Rs 53.13 crore aimed at improving rural governance and essential services. According to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the funds — comprising tied and untied grants — have been disbursed during 2025-26 financial year to states including Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Odisha, Rajasthan, Telangana and Uttarakhand to boost rural local governance. Odisha received Rs 53.13 crore under tied grants, representing withheld portions of the first and second installment for FY 2025-26.
The funds will benefit 10 eligible zilla parishads, 17 panchayat samitis, 40 gram panchayats (for both installments), 15 additional GPs (second installment only). The allocation is expected to strengthen grassroots governance and accelerate delivery of basic civic services in rural parts of the state. Tied grants are earmarked for critical rural infrastructure and services, while untied grants can be used by local bodies to address location-specific needs across 29 subjects.
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