The Andhra Pradesh government has provided relief to sarpanches by permitting the utilization of long-pending 15th Finance Commission funds. The Panchayat Raj Department issued formal orders allowing the release and expenditure of the funds, which had remained stalled for several months. The move is expected to revive development works that were halted across villages due to financial constraints.
As per the government directive, the funds must be utilized in accordance with the resolutions passed by gram panchayats on January 5 this year. Authorities clarified that bills would be cleared for works already completed and duly recorded in the Measurement Books. The decision is aimed at streamlining payments and accelerating the settlement of pending dues.
Officials stated that the release of funds would provide significant relief to sarpanches and contractors who had been awaiting payments. The 15th Finance Commission grants are crucial for executing key developmental activities such as infrastructure creation, drainage systems, and other essential civic works in rural areas.
In several villages, sarpanches reportedly borrowed funds to ensure completion of projects despite delays in government payments. With the fresh orders, priority will be given to clearing bills of completed works, easing the financial burden on gram panchayats and restoring momentum to rural development initiatives across the state.