<h1>Ministry of Finance disburses Rs. 13,385.70 crore to 25 states for Rural Local Bodies' sanitation and water projects.</h1> The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, has released Rs. 13,385.70 crore to 25 states as the first installment of tied grants for Rural Local Bodies for the fiscal year 2021-22, based on the 15th Finance Commission's recommendations. These tied grants, which make up 60% of the total grant-in-aid, are designated for sanitation, open-defecation free status, drinking water supply, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling. The remaining 40% is untied and can be used by Panchayati Raj institutions for local needs, excluding salaries. States must transfer these funds to Rural Local Bodies within 10 working days or incur interest penalties.