Date:18/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/18/stories/2007061852980400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Centre sanctions Rs. 63.63 cr. for rural water scheme

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: The Central Government has sanctioned Rs. 63.63 crore to Tamil Nadu under the Centrally- sponsored Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme of Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission.

The sanctioned amount is the balance of the first instalment of funds against the provisional allocation of Rs. 190.90 crore allotted to the State under the programme.

While 15 per cent of the amount may be utilised for operation and maintenance, five per cent for taking sustainability measures. The Centre is keen that the schemes should be implemented only through panchayati raj institutions (PRI).

The purpose of the scheme, according to the Union Ministry of Rural Development, is to provide safe drinking water facilities to rural habitations and schools.

Meanwhile, the State Government has prepared a priority list of panchayats for allotment of funds under the programme. Funds would be released to panchayats concerned through respective district administrations for early implementation of the schemes, according to an official source.