Centre Releases XV FC Grants for Panchayati Raj Bodies

12 Feb 2026 CW Team

In Madhya Pradesh Rs 6,525.5 mn was released as the second instalment of untied grants for FY 2024–25, to benefit all 52 eligible District Panchayats, 312 eligible Block Panchayats and 23,001 eligible Gram Panchayats across the State. An additional Rs 7.7 mn representing the withheld portion of the first instalment for FY 2024–25 has been released to three additionally eligible Block Panchayats and six Gram Panchayats. The funding is intended to be used by local bodies for location specific felt needs under the constitutional mandate.

For Punjab the Union Government released Rs 2,220 mn as the first instalment of untied grants for FY 2025–26 to support 13,262 Gram Panchayats, 150 Block Panchayats and 22 District Panchayats. Telangana received Rs 2,560.295 mn as the first instalment of untied grants for FY 2024–25 benefiting 12,702 Gram Panchayats. In addition Rs 23.318 mn, the withheld portion of the second instalment for FY 2023–24, was released to 11 additionally eligible Gram Panchayats and 40 Block Panchayats.

The untied grants may be utilised by Panchayati Raj Institutions and rural local bodies for locally determined priorities, while tied grants are earmarked for basic services. Tied grants can be used for sanitation and maintenance of open defecation free status, including management and treatment of household waste and human excreta and faecal sludge management in particular. They can also support supply of drinking water, rainwater harvesting and water recycling.

The Union Government has released over Rs 11,330 million (mn) as Fifteenth Finance Commission grants during FY 2025–26 to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions and rural local bodies in Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Telangana. The grants were recommended by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Jal Shakti and released by the Ministry of Finance for location specific needs under the 29 Subjects in the 11th Schedule, excluding salaries and other establishment costs. In Madhya Pradesh Rs 6,525.5 mn was released as the second instalment of untied grants for FY 2024–25, to benefit all 52 eligible District Panchayats, 312 eligible Block Panchayats and 23,001 eligible Gram Panchayats across the State. An additional Rs 7.7 mn representing the withheld portion of the first instalment for FY 2024–25 has been released to three additionally eligible Block Panchayats and six Gram Panchayats. The funding is intended to be used by local bodies for location specific felt needs under the constitutional mandate. For Punjab the Union Government released Rs 2,220 mn as the first instalment of untied grants for FY 2025–26 to support 13,262 Gram Panchayats, 150 Block Panchayats and 22 District Panchayats. Telangana received Rs 2,560.295 mn as the first instalment of untied grants for FY 2024–25 benefiting 12,702 Gram Panchayats. In addition Rs 23.318 mn, the withheld portion of the second instalment for FY 2023–24, was released to 11 additionally eligible Gram Panchayats and 40 Block Panchayats. The untied grants may be utilised by Panchayati Raj Institutions and rural local bodies for locally determined priorities, while tied grants are earmarked for basic services. Tied grants can be used for sanitation and maintenance of open defecation free status, including management and treatment of household waste and human excreta and faecal sludge management in particular. They can also support supply of drinking water, rainwater harvesting and water recycling.

Technology

27 Mar 2026

Powerplay Launches AI Workforce for Construction

Powerplay has launched an AI Workforce platform for the construction sector, introducing five domain-trained AI agents to automate workflows across estimation, procurement, finance and project management. The platform is designed to improve operational efficiency, with early deployments showing a reduction in estimation timelines from weeks to minutes and productivity gains of 50–60 per cent across key processes. Built on data from over 85,000 construction projects executed using Powerplay’s software, the system leverages insights from bills of quantities, procurement cycles, billing wor..

Infrastructure Urban

27 Mar 2026

Infrastructure Opportunity Outlook by IMPACCT.Info

India’s infrastructure pipeline is witnessing dynamic activity across stages — from immediate bidding to future planning. IMPACCT segments these into three categories: Immediate, 3–6 Month, and Future Opportunities, enabling businesses to identify, prepare, and participate in high-value tenders and projects across sectors. To read the full story Click Here..

Real Estate

27 Mar 2026

Birla Estates Enters Mumbai Redevelopment Segment

Birla Estates has announced its entry into Mumbai’s redevelopment segment with a luxury residential project in Khar West. The project will be developed in a joint venture with Parinee Real Estate Builders. The redevelopment covers Anmol Co-operative Housing Society and Bhartiya Bhavan Co-operative Housing Society, spanning approximately 1.3 acres with a saleable area of 2.9 lakh sq ft. The project has an estimated revenue potential of Rs 17 billion. The development will comprise luxury residences aimed at urban homebuyers, reinforcing Birla Estates’ presence in Mumbai’s premium housing..