Centre Releases Rs 2.13 Billion XV-FC Grants for Assam Panchayats

21 Jan 2026 CW Team

The Union Government has recently released Rs 2.13 billion as XV Finance Commission untied grants to strengthen rural local bodies in Assam. The amount represents the first instalment for 2025–26 and has been disbursed to 2,192 Gram Panchayats, 182 Block Panchayats and 27 Zilla Parishads across the State.

The release of grants is facilitated through the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Jal Shakti, based on recommendations of the XV Finance Commission, with funds routed through the Ministry of Finance. The grants are provided in two instalments each financial year.

Untied grants may be utilised by Panchayati Raj Institutions for location-specific development needs under the 29 subjects of the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution, excluding salaries and establishment expenses. Tied grants are earmarked for sanitation, solid and liquid waste management, maintenance of ODF status, and drinking water-related services including rainwater harvesting and water recycling.

Real Estate

07 Aug 2026

BXB Estates Sets AED 110 Million Jumeirah Golf Estates Record

BXB Estates has completed an AED 110 million residential transaction at Jumeirah Golf Estates, setting a new sales record for the prestigious Dubai residential community.Negotiated by Alfie Tabrez, Managing Partner of BXB Estates, the deal surpassed the previous record of AED 58 million for a completed ready villa in the development.The six-bedroom residence offers 21,714 sq ft of built-up space on a 15,873-sq-ft plot. It features nine bathrooms, four living lounges, a home office, bar lounge, private cinema and rooftop terrace.The property also includes a dedicated wellness area comprising a ..

SECR Floats Rs 6,019 Mn EPC Tender For Paradol Nagpur Link

South East Central Railway (SECR) has invited bids for an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract to build a new broad gauge single line between Paradol Takeoff Point and Nagpur Road Station in Chhattisgarh. The contract carries an estimated cost of Rs 6,019.0 mn and requires an earnest money deposit of Rs 120.4 mn. The work is framed as an EPC assignment intended to strengthen regional rail infrastructure. The tender, issued under number CAO-C-BSP-26-27-15, specifies a completion period of 730 days and a bid validity of 180 days. Two pre-bid meetings are scheduled for 24 Augu..

Indian Railways Reports Nine Per Cent Rise In July Freight Loading

Indian Railways handled 141.3 million tonnes (141.3 mn t) of freight in July, marking a rise of nine per cent year on year. Freight loading maintained a positive trajectory across the network compared with the same month last year. Passenger traffic also increased in July, contributing to higher overall network utilisation. The July outcome continued a pattern of steady monthly gains, reflecting gradual improvement in industrial and logistics activity. The growth in freight volumes reflected stronger demand across multiple sectors and improvements in logistics and train turnarounds. Enhanced r..