Jharkhand Panchayats Receive Record Rs 2,254 Crore from 15th Finance Commission for Village Development

Ranchi: The state’s 4,345 panchayats have received Rs 2,254 crore under the 15th Finance Commission, the highest-ever allocation since Jharkhand’s formation in 2000, officials said on Wednesday.

The funds effectively grant each individual panchayat a share of around Rs 51.80 lakh, which is expected to accelerate the pace of development in villages, officials added.

Rural development and panchayati raj minister Deepika Pandey Singh termed the achievement “unprecedented”, noting that the funds were secured after an uphill battle and rigorous coordination with the Centre.

“Securing Jharkhand’s share of the funds required considerable effort and struggle, but the results are poised to bring about a significant transformation in the lives of villagers, specifically resolving long-standing issues related to drinking water and cleanliness,” she said.

The allocation is around four times higher than the Rs 624.50 crore received in 2021-22.

Across the administrative divisions, the North Chotanagpur division secured the largest share of Rs 767.15 crore, followed by Santhal Pargana at Rs 520.59 crore. South Chotanagpur, Kolhan and Palamu divisions have received Rs 367.78 crore, Rs 300.44 crore and Rs 294.74 crore, respectively.

The minister said that the funds will be spent across various scheme categories to foster development, ensuring that village initiatives finally take shape on the ground. Under the ‘tied’ grants category, residents will benefit from schemes related to drinking water and sanitation. Meanwhile, the ‘untied’ grants category encompasses schemes focused on general village development and addressing specific local needs.

Singh said, “To ensure this, elected representatives at the panchayat level must play their role with absolute dedication and integrity, from the selection of appropriate schemes to their effective implementation on the ground.”