(a) the steps taken by the Union Government for the effective implementation of the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP);
(b) whether the Union Government proposes to provide special assistance to rural areas so as to address the problem of drinking water in these areas; and
(c) the total financial assistance provided to Rajasthan under the NRDWP during each of the last three years and the current year?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION
(SHRI S.S.AHLUWALIA)
(a) Rural drinking water supply is a state subject and this Ministry supplements the efforts of state government for providing safe drinking water to rural population. Under National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP),State Governments are empowered to plan, design, implement and execute the rural drinking water supply schemes which are approved by State Level Scheme Sanctioning Committee (SLSSC). However, this Ministry from time to time undertakes review meeting with states and directs them to complete the schemes on priority basis as well as expedite the expenditure of funds. Further, this Ministry reviews the status & pace of coverage of NRDWP programme through Annual Action Plan meetings carried out every year between February and April, with the Departments of State Governments dealing with rural drinking water supply, wherein the progress achieved under different components of NRDWP are reviewed. Officers of the Ministry are also deputed to States for field visits and review the progress of implementation. Further, Area Officers are nominated for all States and they participate in the State Level Scheme Sanctioning Committees (SLSSC) so as to ensure that the project proposals are as per the mutually agreed Action Plan. The Ministry also organises workshops on technical matters wherein best practices and other issues are showcased / shared / deliberated by the states / resource persons for benefits of all. With the restructuring of NRDWP, now parts of the releases are also linked with the functionality status of completed schemes and pre-financing by the states.
(b) This Ministry implements NRDWP and through this entire Programme (NRDWP), entire assistance is provided to rural areas only.
(c) The total financial assistance provided to Rajasthan under the NRDWP during each of the last three years and the current year is as under:
Year Amount released (Rs. crore)
2014-15 1304.64
2015-16 526.75
2016-17 1072.92
2017-18 (till 12.03.18) 714.24