Centre release Rs 31.89 cr to WB as first instalment under ARWSP

New Delhi, May 11 (UNI) The Rural Development Ministry has sanctioned Rs 31.89 crore to West Bengal Government as first instalment of funds against the provisional allocation of Rs 191.37 crore made under Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP) of Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission, during the year 2007-08.

Up to 15 per cent of funds released under this sanction may be utilised for Operation and Maintenance and up to 5 per cent 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) as per the Constitution of India. As such Operation and Maintenance of the completed RWS Scheme should be transferred to the PRIs.

No expenditure shall be incurred on taking water quality problems from the present release, as there is a separate allocation for the purpose.

This release is for execution/completion of schemes to provide safe drinking water facilities to rural habitations and schools under the Centrally Sponsored ARWSP and according to Priorities set in ARWSP guidelines and through other instructions issued from time to time.

UNI