Question : DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS THROUGH PANCHAYATI RAJ INSTITUTIONS

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI SURYAKANTA PATIL)

According to the reports available from the States/UTs, the details of funds spent on the three components of Bharat Nirman being implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development i.e. Rural Roads, Rural Houses and Drinking Water Supply during 2005-06 and 2006-07 (upto Feb., 2007) are as under:-

Rural Roads	Rs.9447.25 crore
Rural Housing	Rs.6330.97 crore
Drinking Water Supply	Rs.10535.38 crore

The expenditure incurred on Rural Housing and Drinking Water Supply includes the States share also whereas Rural Roads is a 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme. Though the funds under these programmes are spent/utilized through different programme implementing agencies, the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) are actively involved in preparation of projects/plans of above three components of Bharat Nirman as specified in the guidelines of the respective programmes such as for allotment of a house, BPL family is selected by the Gram Sabha, for preparation of Plan for rural roads PRIs are actively involved. Similarly under the programme of Rural Drinking Water Supply, the Panchayats and Village Water and Sanitation Committees have been assigned the role of selection of location for drinking water source, its operation and maintenance etc.