28th April, 2003
Ministry of Rural Development  


FUNDS RELEASED TO RAJASTHAN AND GUJARAT FOR RURAL DRINKING WATER


The Ministry of Rural Development has released Rs.300 lakh to the state Government of Rajasthan towards additional central assistanace to meet the rural drinking water supply requirement arising due to drought situation in the state. This assistance is provided out of the 5% of the total Central Rural Water Supply Outlay earmarked for contingencies arising due to natural calamities/disaster. These funds must be utilised for mitigating the drought situation in the drought affected areas. These funds are released on 100% central share basis in relaxation of ARWSP Guidelines.

Ministry has released an amount of Rs.20 Crore to Gujarat towards additional Central assistance exclusively for use in Kutch area. These funds are released in pursuance of the decision taken in a meeting convened on 9th July, 2001 by the Minister for Rural Development with Members of Parliament of Kutch area of Gujarat that an additional Rs.40 crore would be provided for rural water supply. The State Govt. should also provide an equal amount for reconstruction and rehabitation of drinking water supply facilities in the earthquake affected districts of Kutch, Gujarat.