Centre approves special funding on 90:10 basis for J

Srinagar, Sep 6 (UNI) The Centre has approved a special package for Jammu and Kashmir to ensure safe drinking water in all the areas under the centrally sponsored Rural Drinking Water Supply Scheme in the ratio of 90:10 against the earlier ratio of 50:50.

This was conveyed to the Governor N N Vohra by Dr Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, Union Minister for Rural Development.

The special dispensation for Jammu and Kashmir has been given by the Central government as the state government was not in a position to provide the 50 per cent share of the scheme from its own resources.

With the revised pattern of funding, 90 per cent by the Centre and 10 per cent from the state, under the special dispensation, the flow of funds to the state would now be much easier and smoother.

Accordingly, the Governor has directed the concerned functionaries to review all existing, unfinished rural drinking water supply schemes, prioritise these and ensure that sustainability was built into all on-going and existing projects before moving on to new investments in this sector.

He has also called for seeking and availing of the technical assistance and expert guidance from the Union Rural Development Ministry to ensure that the benefits of these schemes percolate down to the needy by giving them access to safe portable water.

While thanking Dr Raghuvansh Prasad Singh the Governor has assured that the state would be now able to complete the ongoing Rural Drinking Water Supply Schemes in all respects.

UNI BAS KK KP1226