The Ministry of Rural Development
has released Rs.16.53 crore to the State Governments of Rajasthan
and Gujarat towards additional central assistance to meet the
rural drinking water supply requirement arising due to drought
situation in the states during 2002-2003. Out of this amount,
Rs.12 crore has been released to Rajasthan and Rs.4.53 crore
to Gujarat under Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP).
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. However, possibility of 10% community participation
(5% for SC/ST communities) may be explored by the State Governments,
where ever feasible, while utilizing these funds.
Ministry has already released Rs.223.95
crore to Rajasthan and Rs.33.93 crore to Gujarat for rural drinking
water supply during 2002-2003.
