(a) whether the Government is considering to constitute independent bodies in each State which will decide the tariff for potable water;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to undertake Drinking Water projects under the Public Private Partnership model;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether the Union Government has held any discussion with the State Governments in this regard; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION
(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a): No, Sir.
(b): Does not arise in view of above.
(c)&(d): Under the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP), States are
empowered to plan, design, approve, implement and operate drinking water projects,
including on Public Private Partnership model as provided in the NRDWP guidelines.
(e)&(f): Water is a State subject. As stated above, under the NRDWP, State Governments are
empowered to plan, design, approve and implement rural drinking water supply schemes and
no approval is required from the Union Government in this regard.