The Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2026

This Uttarakhand state government initiative builds artesian wells to offer free irrigation for farmers in Scheduled Tribe-dominated Read More... villages, boosting farm productivity. Read less

Details

For farmers in Uttarakhand's Scheduled Tribe areas, better irrigation is on the way. The state's Department of Minor Irrigation has launched a scheme specifically to construct artesian wells. This means free irrigation facilities will soon reach many agricultural lands, helping to increase crop yields. It's a fully state-funded project aimed at empowering these farming communities.

What Is This Scheme?

The 'Construction of Artesian Wells in Scheduled Tribe Areas' scheme is designed to bring essential water resources directly to farmers. By building artesian wells, the government aims to provide a consistent and free source of irrigation, which is crucial for successful farming. This initiative is entirely funded by the Uttarakhand government, showing its commitment to rural development.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The primary beneficiaries of this scheme are farmers who are residents of Uttarakhand and actively involved in agriculture. The focus is particularly on villages that have a significant Scheduled Tribe population. These collective irrigation projects are intended to uplift agricultural practices in areas where such support is most needed.

Why This Scheme Is Important

Access to reliable irrigation is a game-changer for agriculture. This scheme addresses that need by providing free irrigation through artesian wells. It's designed to improve the economic well-being of farmers in Scheduled Tribe areas by enabling them to cultivate their lands more effectively and increase their output. The scheme ensures that the projects are technically feasible and economically viable.

Objective

This Uttarakhand state government initiative builds artesian wells to offer free irrigation for farmers in Scheduled Tribe-dominated villages, boosting farm productivity.

Benefits

Benefits:

A trophy is awarded to the selected district/organization once annually.

Scroll (certificate of recognition).

Financial incentive of ₹20,00,000 per awardee.

The incentive amount is to be used for project implementation or bridging resource gaps in public welfare.

A letter of appreciation was issued to contributing officers; included in the Performance Appraisal Dossier.

Mode of Disbursement

The trophy and scroll are physically presented.

Financial incentives are transferred to the awarded district/organization.

On the occasion of Civil Services Day (around 21 April).

One-time award; funds must be utilized for public welfare purposes.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be residents of Uttarakhand.
They must be farmers actively engaged in farming.
The scheme supports collective irrigation projects.
The village must be officially recognized as Scheduled Tribe-dominated by the Department of Social Welfare.
The chosen site must be suitable for constructing artesian wells.
There should be enough land available for the irrigation project.
Project costs are capped at ₹4.00 lakh per hectare, with a benefit-cost ratio above 1.0.

How To Apply

Proposals for these projects can be submitted through local governing bodies like the Gram Sabha, Gram Panchayat, or Zila Parishad. These can also be routed through other departmental channels. Submissions should be made to the relevant division, sub-division, or other designated departmental offices. After a detailed review of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), proposals are forwarded to the Government of Uttarakhand for final financial approval.

Documents Required

Applicants need to provide documents as per the guidelines set by the Department of Minor Irrigation for this specific scheme. Specific details will be available from the concerned department.

Official Sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official channels of the Department of Minor Irrigation, Government of Uttarakhand.

FAQ’s

Can I get free irrigation under this scheme?

Yes, the scheme provides free irrigation facilities to eligible farmers through the artesian wells that are constructed. There is no direct cost to farmers for the irrigation itself.

What is the maximum budget for a project?

The project cost for artesian well construction is limited to a maximum of ₹4.00 lakh per hectare. Additionally, the project must demonstrate a benefit-cost ratio greater than 1.0.

How can my village be considered for this scheme?

For a village to be eligible, its name must be on the official list of Scheduled Tribe-dominated villages, as published by the Department of Social Welfare.

Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?

The scheme is open to farmers who live in Uttarakhand and are actively involved in agricultural work. Priority is given to those residing in areas identified as Scheduled Tribe-dominated.

What kind of projects does the scheme fund?

Under this initiative, the government focuses on establishing collective irrigation projects, specifically through the construction of artesian wells.

Where is this scheme usually implemented?

The scheme is typically put into action in specific regions of Uttarakhand, such as parts of Udham Singh Nagar and Nainital districts, where the conditions are suitable for building artesian wells.

What's the procedure to propose a project?

You can submit project proposals through your Gram Sabha, Gram Panchayat, or Zila Parishad. Alternatively, proposals can be sent via other departmental routes to the respective division or sub-division offices.

What happens after a proposal is submitted?

Once a proposal's Detailed Project Report (DPR) is thoroughly checked, it's then sent to the Uttarakhand Government for the final financial approval before the project can proceed.