New Delhi, Jan. 22 -- The Union budget for FY26 may allocate 5-10% more funds to the Panchayati Raj ministry with a higher outgo towards the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), said ministry secretary Vivek Bhardwaj in an interview.

He added that in the runup to the budget the ministry is planning to take a few initiatives that will help empower local governments- Gram Panchayats (GPs), Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads-increase own source revenue (OSR) through local taxes, fees, fines and other charges.

RGSA is a scheme to support local governments deliver on UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) through inclusive governance.

The 15th finance commission says local governments have the potential to raise Rs.50,000 crore through ...