Press Information Bureau English Releases

The Ministry of Rural Development has granted Rs.6.14 crore and Rs.2.86 crore to the State Governments of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu respectively towards restoration of cut imposed while releasing second installments of funds against the original allocation of Rs.18.144 crore and Rs.19.09 crore respectively under Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission (RGNDWM)-a Centrally Sponsored Programme of Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP) during the current financial year (2007-08). In the case of Tamil Nadu the sanctioned amount is to be delivered to the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board, Chennai.

Up to 15% of the funds released under this sanction will be utilized for Operation and Maintenance and up to 5% of funds may be spent for taking sustainability measures. States have been have been requested to delegate powers for management of Rural Water Supply Schemes through the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) . Priorities set in ARWSP guidelines and through other instructions issued from time to time shall be followed for coverage of rural habitations and rural schools.

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SMK/ST/JA
(Release ID :36221)