Srinagar, Mar 12: Jammu and Kashmir has received ₹15,053 crore allocation for Panchayati Raj Institutions under the 15th Finance Commission (2021-26), marking a fourfold increase from the ₹4,016 crore granted under the 13th Finance Commission (2010-15), Government informed lok sabha.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has taken significant steps to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions through financial grants, digital initiatives, and infrastructure development.
The Finance Commission grants for Rural Local Bodies in J&K have increased substantially over the years. From 2010-15, J&K received ₹4,016 crore under the 13th Finance Commission, which grew to ₹15,053 crore for 2021-26 under the 15th Finance Commission. This fourfold increase aims to enhance rural development across the Union Territory.
To further strengthen PRIs, 970 Panchayat Bhawans have been approved for construction in J&K under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) for 2024-25. 1,000 computers have also been sanctioned to improve digital governance at the Panchayat level. These measures align with the government’s efforts to promote e-governance, enhance transparency, and ensure efficient service delivery.
The government is also focused on digital transformation, with all Panchayats in J&K onboarded onto the eGramSwaraj platform. This initiative integrates Panchayat planning, accounting, and fund management with the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) for real-time tracking of expenditures. The adoption of e-governance ensures greater accountability and efficiency in the implementation of rural development projects.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Data reveals that 827 Gram Panchayats in J&K still lack their own buildings. However, the government has assured that construction efforts are ongoing to address these gaps.
