(a) the salient features of Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas (PURA) scheme implemented in the country;
(b) the details of the norms/criteria fixed for selection/ identification of Rural/Gram Panchayat clusters for development under the scheme; and
(c) the number and details of projects likely to be implemented, State-wise?
MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)
(a): Restructured scheme of Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas (PURA) was implemented in the country during 2010-2015 under the framework of Public Private Partnership (PPP). The scheme aimed at holistic and accelerated development of compact areas around a potential growth centre in a Gram Panchayat(s) through PPP framework for providing livelihood opportunities and urban amenities to improve the quality of life in rural areas. The salient features of the scheme are as below:
(i). Convergence of Central and State Government schemes.
(ii). Implementation in project mode and life cycle cost approach.
(iii). Implementation through a single private partner to ensure simultaneous delivery of key infrastructure required in villages leading to optimal use of resources
(iv). Selection of clusters by private partner be based on economic viability coupled with development of the area.
(v). Agreement between Gram Panchayat and the private partner that makes the restructured PURA a model for empowerment of Gram Panchayats and public accountability
(b): Under the scheme, the Private Partner selected to undertake PURA projects was to identify a Gram Panchayat or a cluster of geographically contiguous Gram Panchayats for a population of about 25,000– 40,000. There may be sub-projects to cover each of the Panchayats within the cluster, or a large single Panchayat could individually provide critical mass to make the project viable. In the identified PURA area, the Private Partner was to plan and put up an implementation action plan for different sub-projects of PURA.
(c): The scheme has been discontinued with effect from 2015-16.
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