Funds released to PRIs in Bihar: Sushil Kumar Modi

PATNA: Deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi said on Wednesday that the fifth finance commission has released the second instalment of Rs 1,401.17 crore pertaining to 2019-20 fiscal to the three-tier Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
“A part of the sum has will be spent on preventive steps against coronavirus in their respective areas and the remaining amount will be spent on schemes under the seven resolves of the government,” he added.
The deputy CM said that Rs 562.04 crore subsidy has been earmarked for expenditure on e-governance, capacity building and training. However, in the present scenario, an amount of Rs 521.07 crore will now be used by the PRIs on purchase of masks, gloves, sanitisers and soaps, among other items, and also on the security of those kept in quarantine in their areas. The items purchased will be used by the elected representatives, health workers and other government personnel.
Of the earmarked sum to combat Covid-19, Rs 375.28 crore is meant to be used by the gram panchayats, Rs 53.60 crore by panchayat samitis and Rs 92 crore has been released for the Zila Parishads.