Himachal seeks funds to strengthen local institutions

Shimla, March 1: Himachal Pradesh has sought funds from the central government to strengthen Panchayati Raj (local government) institutions in the state, an official release said Sunday.

A request to sanction a grant of Rs.159 million (Rs.15.90 crore) was made by state Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal at a meeting with Union Minister for Panchayati Raj Development Mani Shankar Aiyar in New Delhi.

According to the release, the state government has made a proposal under the Rashtriya Gram Sawraj Yojana to provide funds for the establishment of resource centres at the gram panchayat level in a phased manner in the state.

In this financial year, the state government has sought funds to the tune of Rs.102 million for the construction of 300 such centres across the state.

There are 3,243 panchayats in the state, and out of its own resources the state has provided funds for the construction of 1,019 panchayat buildings so far.