Centre wants TN to make optimum use of funds to expedite water connection to houses

New Delhi

In a letter to the Chief Minister, Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat highlighted that in 2019-20, “very few” household tap connections were provided in the state against the target of 13.86 lakh households and raised his concerns over it, said an official release. It was mentioned that in 2019-20, the state was allocated Rs 373.87 crore to provide tap connections to 13.86 lakh households and Rs 373.10 crore was released. However, the state could utilise only Rs 114.58 crore at the end of March, 2020. Further, Shekhawat said fund allocation to TN has been increased from Rs 373.87 crore to Rs 917.44 crore during 2020-21.

After the Annual Action Plan was presented before the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Shekhawat, in a letter to the CM, mentioned that the state’s commitment to provide piped water supply to every household will bring an end to the drudgery endured by women and girls in rural areas.

Funds are provided by the Centre based on the outputs in terms of functional household tap connections (FHTCs) provided and the utilisation of available Central and matching state share, an official release said.

Thus in 2020-21, with state’s matching share, the total fund availability with the state for providing tap connections is Rs 2,363 crore. But, in view of the “unsatisfactory” output in terms of number of FHTCs provided during 2019-20 and low utilisation of funds, the Minister urged the CM to review the planning and implementation of water supply schemes and also to focus on the already existing Piped Water Supply schemes, which could be retrofitted/augmented, as there is a potential to provide 105 lakh FHTCs in the state.

This year the state plans to provide tap water to 34 lakh rural households. Priority is being given for 100% coverage of all 117 villages under Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojna, villages in aspirational districts and 90% SC/ST dominated habitations.

Sivaganga having 78% tap connections, Vellore with 61% and Pudukkottai with 58% connections are planned for 100% coverage this year. The Union Minister has sought to discuss about JJM with the CM soon.