The central government has released over Rs.15 crore for development of backward regions in selected districts of the country's various states, an official statement said Wednesday.
Under the Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF), a total of Rs.15,158.11 crore was granted to 272 selected districts in 27 states for development of backward regions, it said.
The scheme is aimed at strengthening the Panchayati Raj institutions across the country to enable them discharge their duties for balanced development.
The BRGF provides untied funds to panchayats on the basis of plans prepared by various ministries and states.
Under the scheme, financial assistance is provided to panchayats through the states in the shape of grant for development and for capacity building.
Along with BRGF, the Panchayati Raj ministry also builds capacities of panchayats through Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan.