Question : COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN RURAL WATER SUPPLY



(a) whether the Government proposes to restructure the ongoing Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP) to promote involvement of communities;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the time by which it is likely to done?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (MS. AGATHA SANGMA)

(a): Yes, Sir. The Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP) has been restructured from 01.04.2009 and has been renamed as National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP).

(b) & (c): The aim of the NRDWP is to provide for drinking water security in rural areas, with a comprehensive approach of the State towards decentralized planning, convergence with related programmes, appropriate technical support for all levels and involvement of the panchayati raj institutions. The maintenance of water supply systems, ensuring of water quality, reliability and convenience of availability to every rural household in equitable manner has been given priority. It recognizes that the fundamental basis on which drinking water security can be ensured is the decentralized approach through the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and community participation.