Shimla, September 24: Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central Government and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj for approving ₹3,744 crore for Himachal Pradesh’s Panchayati Raj Institutions under the 16th Finance Commission.
Jai Ram Thakur said the Central Government had provided significant financial support to strengthen Panchayats and accelerate development in rural areas. With more than 3,650 Gram Panchayats in the state, the allocation would amount to more than ₹1 crore per Panchayat on average, providing additional resources for development works and giving a boost to overall rural development.
He said ₹2,102 crore had been allocated to Himachal Pradesh’s rural local bodies under the 15th Finance Commission, while the allocation had increased to ₹3,744 crore under the 16th Finance Commission—an increase of approximately 78.1 per cent.
Thakur said the increase reflected the Central Government’s commitment under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards rural development and strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions. He urged the state government to ensure transparent and effective utilisation of the funds so that maximum benefit reached rural areas and the general public.
