Question : Private Participation in Drinking Water Schemes

(a) whether the Government to collaborate with private sector companies/ corporate houses for drinking water and sanitation schemes in the country, if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise including Bihar;

(b) whether the Government proposes to provide assistance to the States for this purpose;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken/likely to be taken by the Government in this regard;

(d) whether certain corporate houses have come forward and submitted their proposals for promotion of sanitation and drinking water projects in the country; and

(e) if so, the details thereof, corporate house-wise?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION
(SHRI RAM KRIPAL YADAV)

(a) to (e) Yes Madam, Regarding provision of drinking water to the rural population there is no proposal before the Government to collaborate with private sector companies/ corporate houses. However, under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) many private companies have come forward to provide support in the rural water supply schemes at the village / Gram panchayat level in the form of water purification systems in the rural schools, anganwadis and panchayat buildings across the country. Under Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), Guidelines have been issued to facilitate the utilization of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds in rural sanitation activities. States can use these guidelines as a base to develop their own procedure to attract/receive and utilize CSR funds. Swachh Bharat Kosh has been set up under the Ministry of Finance to attract contributions from Corporates and other entities towards achievement of Swachh Bharat. The contribution to Swachh Bharat Kosh by the companies has also been covered under CSR under the Companies Act.