Assam Rural Bodies Receive Rs 2.993 bn From Fifteenth Finance Commission

11 Mar 2026 CW Team

The untied grants cover all eligible 27 District Panchayats, all eligible 182 Block Panchayats and all eligible 2,192 Gram Panchayats in the State. The allocation mechanism follows recommendations from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, with final release by the Ministry of Finance. Allocations are released in two instalments each financial year and are meant to be used for location specific felt needs under the 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution. The untied funds expressly exclude use for salaries and other establishment costs.

Tied grants are earmarked for basic services related to sanitation and the maintenance of open defecation free status and should include management and treatment of household waste and human excreta and faecal sludge management. They are also to support supply of drinking water, rainwater harvesting and water recycling. Panchayati Raj Institutions and rural local bodies are expected to prioritise projects that improve access to these services and strengthen local infrastructure. The departments have emphasised accountability and targeted use of funds in accordance with guidelines.

The release aims to bolster local capacities and enable responsive responses to community priorities during the current financial year. Authorities will monitor utilisation and compliance with the stipulated uses to ensure that allocations translate into improved service delivery. Continued coordination among ministries and local institutions is expected to guide effective implementation.

The Union Government has released Fifteenth Finance Commission grants for the financial year 2025-26 to Panchayati Raj Institutions and rural local bodies in Assam. The total allocation amounts to Rs 2.993 billion (bn), comprising a second instalment of untied grants of Rs 2,566 million (mn) and a withheld portion of Rs 427 million released to three additionally eligible autonomous district councils. The three autonomous district councils are the Bodoland Territorial Council, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and Dima Hasao Autonomous Council. The funds are intended for local development and basic services at the village and block levels. The untied grants cover all eligible 27 District Panchayats, all eligible 182 Block Panchayats and all eligible 2,192 Gram Panchayats in the State. The allocation mechanism follows recommendations from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, with final release by the Ministry of Finance. Allocations are released in two instalments each financial year and are meant to be used for location specific felt needs under the 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution. The untied funds expressly exclude use for salaries and other establishment costs. Tied grants are earmarked for basic services related to sanitation and the maintenance of open defecation free status and should include management and treatment of household waste and human excreta and faecal sludge management. They are also to support supply of drinking water, rainwater harvesting and water recycling. Panchayati Raj Institutions and rural local bodies are expected to prioritise projects that improve access to these services and strengthen local infrastructure. The departments have emphasised accountability and targeted use of funds in accordance with guidelines. The release aims to bolster local capacities and enable responsive responses to community priorities during the current financial year. Authorities will monitor utilisation and compliance with the stipulated uses to ensure that allocations translate into improved service delivery. Continued coordination among ministries and local institutions is expected to guide effective implementation.

Infrastructure Urban

23 Apr 2026

Centre Examines Duty Relief Under MOOWR For Battery Storage Imports

The finance ministry is examining whether to continue customs warehousing benefits under the Manufacture and Other Operations in Warehouse Regulations, 2019 framework for imported battery energy storage systems. It plans consultations with the ministries of power and new and renewable energy to decide on the future scope of duty and GST deferment for such imports. The review follows concerns from the renewable energy sector that the current approach is creating an uneven playing field. Under the regulations, companies may import goods without paying customs duty or goods and services tax upfro..

Infrastructure Urban

23 Apr 2026

Jamshedpur MP Seeks Rs 4,820 Million Plan For Tatanagar Platforms

Member of Parliament Bidyut Baran Mahato held a meeting with Vikas Jain, Executive Director (Public Grievances) of the Railway Board, following a special session of Parliament to press for accelerated rail infrastructure work around Jamshedpur and Tatanagar. The discussions addressed a range of projects that the ministry is prioritising for the area. Final Location Surveys for the construction of the fourth and fifth railway lines between Pandrasali and Kandra and for the development of a satellite station near Tatanagar have already been approved, clearing the way for detailed planning. Mahat..

Infrastructure Energy

23 Apr 2026

Final Batch Of Two 3,300 HP Locomotives Reach Mozambique

The final batch of two 3,300 horsepower (hp) locomotives manufactured by Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) has reached Mozambique, marking completion of an export consignment. The locomotives arrived at Maputo harbour and were cleared for onward movement to the national rail operator. The shipment closes a programme that began with earlier consignments delivered over the past months. Banaras Locomotive Works, a production unit of Indian Railways, built the locomotives under a contract with the Mozambican rail authority and managed the final inspections and commissioning preparations prior to disp..