Punjab Chhatisgarh get central funds for rural drinking water

New Delhi, May 1 (UNI) The Centre has granted funds amounting to Rs 8.81 crore and Rs 15.99 crore to Punjab and Chhatisgarh respectively for augumenting drinking water supply in the rural areas.

The Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned Rs. 8.81 crore to the Punjab government towards part payment of first instalment of funds against the provisional allocation of Rs.52.91 crore made for the state under Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (Normal) of Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission, during the year 2007-08.

It has also sanctioned Rs. 15.99 crore to the Chhattisgarh government towards part of first instalment of funds against the provisional allocation of Rs 95.95 crore made for the state under the scheme during 2007-08. The balance amount of first instalment will be released on receipt of AG's report for 2004-05.

Up to 15 per cent of funds released under this sanction may be utilised for Operation&Maintenance and up to five per cent of funds may be spent for taking sustainability measures. States have been requested to delegate powers for management of Rural Water Supply Schemes through the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

from expenditure shall be incurred on tackling water quality problems form the present release, as there is a separate allocation for the purpose.

This release is being made for execution/completion of schemes to provide safe drinking water facilities to rural habitations and schools under the Centrally Sponsored ARWSP.

UNI