(a) whether the Government has received complaints regarding improper
implementation of the Nirmal Gram Puraskar Scheme;
(b) if so, whether the Government proposes to conduct a review of the scheme;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) the details of the gap between the targets set and achieved under the scheme
during the last three years, State-wise; and
(e) the remedial steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this
regard for promotion of sanitation in the villages?
MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT(DR. C. P. JOSHI)
(a) to (e) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
Statement referred to in the reply to parts (a) to (e) of the Lok Sabha Starred
Question No. 344 for reply on 14.12.2009
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b)&(c): The complaints relate to non-eligibility of Gram Panchayats (GPs) that have
been awarded Nirmal Gram Puraskar (NGP) in 2008 and non-selection of eligible GPs
for the NGP in 2009. Action has been taken regarding these complaints and review of
NGP scheme is not required.
(d): There are no targets for NGP. All the Gram Panchayats are encouraged to meet
the criteria of Nirmal Gram in order to be eligible for the award. Details of the
number of awardees during the last three years, state wise, are annexed.
(e): Total Sanitation Campaign administered by Government of India emphasizes
generation of demand for sanitation facilities through Behaviour Change Communication
(BCC) and a community led approach, as past experience shows that mere construction
of toilets is not sufficient for achieving sanitation coverage. In order to address
the needs of areas with high water table, low water availability, very cold regions,
coastal and flood prone areas, different design options for toilets are promoted by
the Department. In hilly and difficult areas, the central incentive for BPL
households for construction of individual household toilets is Rs.500 higher than for
other areas. Convergence is sought to be achieved with other flagship programmes of
Government of India such as Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, National Rural Health Mission,
Integrated Child Development Scheme etc. Extensive school sanitation and hygiene
education programme is being implemented.Training and capacity building has been
taken up for grassroots workers, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) etc. Also,
Information, Education & Communication (IEC), activities are supported under the
programme.