New Delhi: Odisha’s Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have witnessed a steady rise in allocation of grants recommended by three successive Central Finance Commissions, Union Panchayati Raj Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh) informed the Rajya Sabha Wednesday.
In a written statement, Singh said the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has reported significant progress in the implementation of various schemes in Odisha, along with a consistent increase in allocations recommended by successive Central Finance Commissions. “The allocation increased from RS 2,898.22 crore under the 13th Finance Commission to Rs 8,850 crore under the 14th, and further to RS 11,058 crore under the 15th Finance Commission,” Singh said.
The ministry emphasised that the final distribution of funds is determined by the state government in line with the State Finance Commission recommendations. It also added that the flow of funds under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) depends on timely approval of annual plans, matching state share, expenditure status, and submission of utilisation certificates, he said. About RGSA funds released to Odisha, Singh said Odisha received Rs 11.40 crore in 2022- 23, Rs 27.33 crore in 2023-24 and Rs 20 crore in 2024-25. The Union minister also highlighted that Odisha has actively participated in capacity-building programmes for PRI representatives.
“Since 2022-23, a total of 6,62,345 elected PRI representatives and functionaries have received training through leading institutions like SIRD&PR, NIRD&PR, IIMs, and DPRCs. The training initiatives aim to enhance governance, leadership, planning, and resource management capabilities,” he said.
Additionally, thematic workshops have been conducted for PRI members in areas such as health, education, gender equality, environmental protection, social security, and good governance. The ministry clarified that the RGSA scheme is implemented strictly as per approved guidelines and no state — including Odisha — is allowed flexibility beyond those provisions.
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