Centre releases ₹643.50 lakh XV Finance Commission grants for Sikkim's rural local bodies
The Union Government released ₹643.50 lakh as the first instalment of XV Finance Commission untied grants for 2025-26 to rural local bodies in Sikkim, the Panchayati Raj Ministry said on 15 January 2026.
Summary
Sikkim's rural local bodies have received ₹643.50 lakh as the first instalment of Fifteenth Finance Commission untied grants for 2025-26, released by the Union Government for 5 eligible District Panchayats and all 199 eligible Gram Panchayats. A further ₹17.50 lakh, the withheld portion of the second instalment for 2024-25, was released to one more District Panchayat that became eligible. Untied grants can be used for local needs under the 29 subjects of the Eleventh Schedule, except salaries and establishment costs.
Key facts
- Amount
- ₹643.50 lakh (first instalment, 2025-26 untied grants)
- Beneficiaries
- 5 District Panchayats and 199 Gram Panchayats
- Additional release
- ₹17.50 lakh withheld 2024-25 instalment to 1 District Panchayat
- Use
- 29 subjects of the Eleventh Schedule; not salaries/establishment
Practice MCQs 2 questions
How many Gram Panchayats in Sikkim are to benefit from the first instalment of XV Finance Commission untied grants for 2025-26, released in January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 199
PIB (Panchayati Raj): the funds are for 5 eligible District Panchayats and all 199 eligible Gram Panchayats.
What amount was released as the first instalment of XV Finance Commission untied grants for 2025-26 to Sikkim's rural local bodies?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — ₹643.50 lakh
PIB (Panchayati Raj): ₹643.50 lakh was released as the first instalment; ₹17.50 lakh was a separate withheld 2024-25 portion.