Why different rules for Karnataka in release of Central grants, asks Eshwar Khandre

Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar B. Khandre on Friday questioned the Centre’s decision to withhold ₹2,186.20 crore in grants due to Karnataka under the 15th Finance Commission, alleging that the State was being subjected to conditions not applied to Assam, Bihar, Gujarat and Uttarakhand.

Responding to questions on the financial position of gram panchayats, Mr. Khandre attributed the shortage of funds to what he termed the Centre’s discriminatory approach towards Karnataka.

Under the Finance Commission recommendations, grants meant for gram panchayats are released by the Centre to the State, which is required to transfer them to the panchayats within 10 days. The receipt details are to be uploaded on the e-Gram Swaraj portal, failing which the amount is required to be paid with interest, he said.