CCEA modifies quidelines for total sanitation campaign

New Delhi, Mar 9 ((UNI) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) today approved modification of certain parameters of the Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC).

This will improve the effectiveness of the sanitation programme, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi told reporters after the CCEA meeting.

The following are the modifications: -- Revision in the unit cost of both models of household toilets under TSC from Rs 625 to Rs 850 and from Rs 1000 to Rs 1350 to offset the inflationary pressure. Acceleration in sanitation coverage at household level in rural areas will be achieved. This would result in health benefits and better quality of life for the rural population.

-- Inclusion of the cost of superstructure (Rs 650) in the basic cost of household toilet under TSC. As a result, the unit cost of both moderls will get revised to Rs 1500 and Rs 2000 respectively.

Acceleration in sanitation coverage at household level in rural areas will be achieved. This would result in health benefits and better quality of life for the rural population.

-- Inclusion of solid / liquid waste management as a component of TSC and earmarking 5 per cent of total fund for the same. This would help in creating clean environment in the rural areas of the country.

-- Making a provision of revolving fund not exceeding Rs 50 lakh per district within the 5 per cent earmarked fund for alternate delivery mechanism. This revolving fund will be used for giving zero interest loans to members of SHGs, Milk Cooperative Societies etc which will also include APL members of such SHGs and societies.

This would accelerate the sanitation coverage in rural areas by providing cheap finances.

-- Revision in the funding pattern for School toilets. This would help in accelerating sanitation coverage in rural schools.

-- Making changes in the component wise allocation of fund under TSC. This would incorporate the other changes proposed above and help in rationalizing the component-wise release of funds.

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