The Hindu Business Line : Centre to take up Rs 1,000-cr water harvesting project

"The programme details are being given final touches. The likely duration of the project would be three years, and is scheduled to be rolled out shortly by the Prime Minister. It has been christened as the Pradhan Mantri Jal Sambardhan Yojna," Mr Rana said talking to presspersons after a meeting at the Indian Chamber of Commerce here on Monday.

The Minister said that the Government, in view of the growing resentment against use of asbestos pipes, was considering replacement of this medium for carrying drinking water under the already on Sajal Dhara project. Indications are that ductile iron (DI) pipes may be used as an alternative.

He informed that till the end of August 2003, under the action plan for rural housing, a total of 98 lakh village shelters have been constructed. The plan envisages 25 lakh houses annually in the rural areas.

Regarding utilisation of funds, he said the track record of some of the States has been very poor. According to the Minister, Bihar topped the list of defaulting states. His Ministry has now decided to bypass the Bihar Government in terms of implementation of various rural development projects and has decided to engage agencies such as Rail India Techinal and Economic Services (Rites) and Border Road Organisation to get the project work done.

Among the other laggard (in terems of fund use) States were UP, Jharkhand, J&K, Manipur, Assam and Nagaland, he mentioned. Most of these States could neither produce funds utilisation certificates nor get their project accounts audited for years.

The North-Eastern States, which are jointly eligible for 10 per cent of the total funds meant for rural development projects, have specifically been told to streamline their funds utilisation plan. "Continuous non-compliance may force the ministry to consider stopping the release of funds," he added.

The Minister also pointed out that some of the States did not establish the required vigilance and monitoring committees involving members of Parliament at the district level.

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