More than ₹1 Lakh Crore funds allocated for Rural Areas

The 15th Finance Commission has tied grants of ₹1,42,084 crore to ensure more funds to gram panchayats to make their water supply and sanitation-related plans.

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In all, the 15th Finance Commission recommended Rs. 2,36,805 Crore to RLBs/ PRIs for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Commission also identified ‘water supply and sanitation’ as national priority areas, which determines the quality of life of people living in rural areas.

It has recommended 60% of the allocation to RLBs/ Panchayats i.e. Rs. 1,42, 084 Crore as a tied grant to be utilized for a.) supply of drinking water, rainwater harvesting and water recycling; and b.) sanitation & maintenance of open-defecation free (ODF) status.

The Dept. of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Govt of India will act as the nodal Department for determining the eligibility of the rural local bodies for the ‘15th FC tied grant for water & sanitation’ and recommend release of tied grant for water & sanitation, to the Dept. of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance for all States.