New Delhi: The All India Panchayat Parishad (Delhi) National vice-president and chief advisor of Andhra Pradesh Sarpanches’ Welfare Association, Dr Jasti Veeranjaneyulu, submitted a representation to Union panchayat raj department director Ram Pratap at his office on KG Marg here on Thursday seeking the immediate release of Rs 1,000 crore under the 15th Finance Commission grants.

He pointed out that the Centre was due to release the first instalment for the 2025–26 financial year in June. Andhra Pradesh has over 13,340 gram panchayats and local bodies, many of which are struggling without funds to meet sanitation needs, pay salaries, and clear dues of Green Ambassadors. He urged the Centre to credit the funds urgently into the accounts of local bodies across the state. Responding to the appeal, Director Ram Pratap assured that efforts were underway to release the funds at the earliest.