Centre Sets March 31 Deadline for Rs 1.6 Lakh Crore Pending 15th FC Grants

• The Centre has set a March 31 deadline for states and ministries to claim Rs 1.6 lakh crore in pending 15th Finance Commission grants.
• This deadline is to close out the 15th FC grant cycle, with no disbursals possible after March 31.
• Pending grants, including for SDRF, NDRF, urban/rural local bodies, and health infrastructure, require recommendations or certifications from line ministries.
• Unclaimed funds will lapse as savings if procedural requirements are not met by the deadline, with no carry-forward.
• Post-devolution revenue deficit grants have been released almost in full, as they do not require claims.

Why It Matters: States must claim Rs 1.6 lakh crore in 15th FC grants by March 31 or lose the funds.