The functioning and financing of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in Assam have been strengthened through regular fund transfers, digital governance reforms, and capacity-building initiatives, the Union government informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. The update has direct administrative relevance for Guwahati, which anchors policy coordination and monitoring for decentralised governance across the state.
Replying to a written question, Union Panchayati Raj Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, said PRIs in Assam operate as constitutional bodies under the Constitution of India and the State Panchayati Raj Act. Since ‘Panchayat’ is a state subject under the Seventh Schedule, the extent of devolution of powers, functions, and resources is determined by the state government.
The Centre told the Lok Sabha that Panchayati Raj Institutions in Assam have been strengthened through regular fund transfers, digital reforms, and capacity building. With coordination anchored in Guwahati, all 2,192 Gram Panchayats are receiving funds on time, supported by Finance Commission grants released directly to the state.
Guwahati’s Role in Panchayat Governance
As Assam’s administrative hub, Guwahati plays a central role in coordinating reviews, digital platforms, and fund monitoring for Panchayati Raj Institutions. Officials said regular review meetings are held to assess PRI functioning, with inputs consolidated through departments based in the state capital.
The Assam government has informed the Centre that all Panchayats are receiving grants on time under the three-tier system, which includes Gram Panchayats, Anchalik Panchayats, and Zilla Parishads.
Scale of the Panchayat Network
According to the information shared in Parliament, Assam currently has 2,192 Gram Panchayats functioning under the three-tier Panchayati Raj framework. Officials said timely fund flow and digital tracking have improved implementation and accountability at the local level.
From Guwahati, departments oversee capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening planning, financial management, and service delivery by local bodies.
Finance Commission Grants Released
The Centre said grants recommended by the 15th Finance Commission for Rural Local Bodies have been released directly to Assam through the Ministry of Finance, as per guidelines. The funding over recent years includes:
- ₹1,604 crore (2020–21, interim period)
- ₹1,186 crore (2021–22)
- ₹1,228 crore (2022–23)
- ₹1,241 crore (2023–24)
- ₹1,315 crore (2024–25)
For 2025–26, an allocation of ₹1,283 crore has been made, of which ₹213.90 crore has been released so far
Digital Reforms and Capacity Building
Officials said digital governance tools have been rolled out to streamline fund utilisation and reporting by Panchayats. Training and capacity-building programmes are being conducted to ensure elected representatives and staff can effectively plan and execute local development works.
These reforms, coordinated from Guwahati, are aimed at deepening decentralised governance and improving last-mile service delivery in rural areas.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
While PRIs function in rural areas, policy design, fund coordination, and digital oversight are anchored in Guwahati. Stronger Panchayats can reduce pressure on urban centres by improving rural infrastructure, services, and livelihoods, an outcome city planners say benefits Guwahati’s long-term growth.
What Happens Next
Further releases under the 2025–26 allocation are expected as utilisation milestones are met. The state government will continue periodic reviews from Guwahati to assess outcomes and strengthen decentralised governance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How many Gram Panchayats are functioning in Assam?
2,192 Gram Panchayats are functioning under Assam’s three-tier Panchayati Raj system.
Q2. How are Panchayats in Assam funded?
They receive state funds and grants recommended by the 15th Finance Commission, released directly to Assam through the Ministry of Finance and monitored via state systems coordinated from Guwahati.
