New Delhi: The centre released Rs 8923.8 crore to panchayats in 25 states as part of Covid prevention activities. Kerala will get Rs 240.6 crore.  The Finance Ministry informed that the amount which is part of the first instalment of the 2021-22 ‘united grant’ has been handed over to the state on Saturday.

As per the directions of the 15th Finance Committee , the first instalment of the `united grant’ can be allotted only in June. But due to the rapid surge in the number of Covid cases, the first instalment was granted early as per the direction of the Panchayat Raj ministry. The grant can be utilized by all three tiers of Panchayat Raj institutions.