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Empowering elected bodies right from the grass root level on the recommendations of State Finance Commission (SFC), the Government of Rajasthan had made available a sum of Rs 1305.55 crore under "devolution of funds" to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) during 2012-13 for their inclusive growth.
Fourth State Finance Commission headed by its chairman B D Kalla has recommended devolution of 5% of net proceeds of own tax revenue of the state to PRIs and ULBs.
This is to make these bodies self-reliant and empowered with more rights to make inclusive growth in future.
In last FY 2011-12, SFC had recommended 3% of net proceeds of state's taxes for the purpose, which is now 2% more.
Based on the recommendations for a total fund transfer of Rs 1305.55 crore, the state government had released a grant of Rs 980.47 crore to PRIs, and Rs 325.08 cr to ULBs in 2012-13, the official sources said today.
Among other things, SFC has recommended that entire land revenue be transferred to all the Gram Panchayats of the state in proportion to their latest available census.
In his annual budget speech for FY 2013-14, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, holding finance ministry portfolio, had also emphasised on transfer of funds to PRIs to further empower them as desired by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
