For the first time in history, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has announced that 12.374 billion pesos from the Social Infrastructure Contributions Fund (FAIS) will be directly allocated to indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities. This initiative aims to empower these communities by granting them the autonomy to manage and execute resources for basic infrastructure projects.
Community Assemblies and Committee Formation
Between April 1 and 30, community assemblies will be held in the 15,217 beneficiary indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities. During these assemblies, two committees will be elected:
- Administration Committee: Responsible for executing the allocated resources.
- Oversight Committee: Tasked with supervising the proper application of the budget.
Eligible Projects and Direct Funding
The allocated funds can be used for projects such as potable water systems, sewerage, drainage, electrification, urbanization, basic educational and health infrastructure, and housing improvements. The distribution of these funds will be managed directly by the Federal Treasury, in coordination with the Secretariat of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP).
Constitutional Recognition and Budget Allocation
President Sheinbaum highlighted that this initiative stems from the amendment to Article 2 of the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States, promoted by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. This reform recognizes indigenous and Afro-Mexican peoples as subjects of public law with legal personality and their own assets. It ensures that 10% of FAIS funds are directly allocated to these communities. The Secretary of Welfare, Ariadna Montiel Reyes, reported that the total FAIS budget for this year is 123.743 billion pesos, with 13.5 billion for states, 95.869 billion for municipalities, and 12.374 billion directly for indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities.
Transparency and Community Consultation
The resource allocation process will be similar to the «The School is Ours» program, ensuring transparency and community consultation in decision-making. This approach aims to strengthen the autonomy and development of indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities across the country.
