Centre releases Rs.22 crore to J K under Swajaldhara Scheme

Jammu, May 28 (UNI) Under the centrally sponsored scheme of Swajaldhara, an amount of rs. 2,175.46 lakh was released to Jammu and Kashmir during the last financial year.

The centre released an amount of Rs 17,801.36 lakh to various states and union territories against a total allocaion of Rs 41,674.65 lakh. The maximum amount of Rs 2,686 .78 lakh was released to Rajasthan followed by Rs 2,280.18 lakh to Andhara Pradesh, Rs 1,690.49 lakh to Karnataka and Rs 1,650.26 lakh to Madhya Pradesh.

The Jammu and Kashmir state comes at number three so far as quantum of financial assistance released under the scheme is concerned.

Earlier, during the year 2004-05, the state was released an amount of Rs 1,170.02 lakh rupees under the scheme.

The government has been emphasising the need for taking up community based rural water supply programmes and beginning was made in 1999 by initiating sector reform projets on experimental basis. With the experience gained, the reform initiatives in the rural drinking water supply sector has now been opened up through out the country by launching the Swajaldhara programme on December 25, 2002.

Under the scheme, Panchayats/communities have the powers to plan, implement, operate, maintain and manage all water supply and sanitation schemes. Keeping in view the concept of decentralization of powers. The powers to sanction Swajaldhara projects have now been delegated to district water and sanitation committee.

Funds under Swajaldhara are now allocated to the states/union territories and the allocated amount is intimated to the states/UTS.

The states/UTS make district wise allocation and furnish the details to the department of drinking water supply. On receipt of such inforamtion, the funds are released by the department of drinking water supply.

UNI RKS PR KP1845