The Central Government has released ₹717.17 crore to the rural local bodies (RLBs) of Maharashtra under the 15th Finance Commission grants. This amount represents the first instalment of untied grants for the financial year 2025–26.
The funds have been released to all duly elected and eligible rural local bodies in the state, including 2 Zila Parishads, 15 Block Panchayats, and 26,544 Gram Panchayats.
The Government of India, through the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation), recommends the release of these grants for rural local bodies. The Ministry of Finance issues the grants in two instalments each financial year.
Utilisation of Grants:
• Untied grants may be used by RLBs/PRIs for location-specific needs across the 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution, excluding salaries and establishment costs.
• Tied grants may be used for:
– Maintenance of sanitation and sustaining Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, including household waste management, faecal sludge, and septage management.
– Basic services such as drinking water supply, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling.
