(a) whether the Government proposes to set up night shelters in the Panchayats across the country as being done in cities in view of their necessity during winter for the poor and needy people including old-age people living in rural areas; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ
(SHRI PARSHOTTAM RUPALA)
(a) & (b) Under the Fourteenth Finance Commission (FFC) award for the period 2015-20, grants to the tune of Rs. 2,00,292.20 Crore, amounting to an assistance of Rs. 488 per person per annum at an aggregate level, have been allocated to Gram Panchayats (GPs) constituted under Part IX of the Constitution in 26 States for delivering basic services, namely, water supply, sanitation, sewerage, solid waste management, storm water drainage, maintenance of community assets, roads, footpath, street lighting, burial and cremation grounds etc. and any other basic services under relevant legislation. Gram Panchayats can utilize the FFC funds for construction of night shelters in case the function is delegated by the State. Further, Gram Panchayats have their Own Source of Revenue, grants from State Finance Commission etc. They can support construction and maintenance of night shelters in their area under relevant grant/fund. However, there is no specific scheme in the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to set up night shelters in the Panchayats across the country.
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