MRD release ARWSP funds to NE states

Shillong, Nov 14 (UNI) The Union Ministry of Rural Development has cleared a Central assistance of Rs 653.18 crore to all the North Eastern states under the Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARSWP) during the current fiscal, an official statement said today.

Up to 20 per cent fund could be used for new rural water supply schemes to be implemented under the Swajaldhara guidelines. Under this component, 90 per cent cost of the scheme would be borne by the Centre and the remaining ten per cent would be the share of the local community as prescribed under the guidelines.

To tackle the water quality in the affected habitations, funding pattern would be 75:25 between the Centre and States.

The remaining amount would be used for the coverage of the ongoing and new schemes and funding would be shared on a 50:50 basis between the Centre and the States.

Up to five per cent of the total ARWSP allocation might also be used for achieving the sustainability of drinking water sources, while 15 per cent of fund released would be used for operation and maintenance.

States had been urged to delegate powers for management of rural water supply schemes through the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

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