The Union Government has released over Rs 730 crore under the 15th Finance Commission (XV-FC) grants to enhance rural local bodies (RLBs) in Gujarat and Haryana for FY 2025–26.

Gujarat received Rs 522.20 crore as the second installment of Untied Grants for FY 2024–25, benefiting 38 District Panchayats, 247 Block Panchayats, and 14,547 Gram Panchayats. Additionally, Rs 13.59 crore from the withheld portion of the first installment was released to local bodies that have now qualified.

Haryana received Rs 195.13 crore as the first installment of Untied Grants for FY 2025–26, covering 18 District Panchayats, 134 Block Panchayats, and 6,164 Gram Panchayats.

The XV-FC grants, jointly recommended by the Ministries of Panchayati Raj and Jal Shakti, are disbursed by the Ministry of Finance in two installments annually. These grants empower Panchayati Raj Institutions to address local developmental priorities under the Eleventh Schedule, with Untied Grants for flexible use and Tied Grants for sanitation, water supply, and waste management.