The Review Mission visited the Sector Reform Projects in Rajasthan between 20-24th May, 2003. The major observations of the Mission are as under:-

1. The Mission felt that the implementation of the Sector Reform Projects in the State was picking up after initial hiccups and delay. The letter and spirit of the Programme was, by and large, being observed in the projects.

Role of Community

2. The willingness of the community to pay for better service was clearly discernible. The users were willingly paying the water tariff which on an average was between Rs. 35-40 per household per month.

3. A high degree of community participation in the decision making process in areas like selection of scheme, award of work, purchase of material, determination of quantum of contribution from each household, fixation of water tariff, duration of water supply etc. was noted by the Mission. However, the position in this regard required to be further improved in Jaipur and Sikar.

4. High level of User satisfaction was observed in all villages where the scheme had been completed.

5. The villagers had a sense of achievement, pride and had a high degree of ownership of the water supply schemes.

Integration of Water and Sanitation

6. The Mission feels that integration of Water and Sanitation is urgently required at all levels – the State, District and Village. IEC and HRD strategy and activities could and must be common to ensure synergy of effort and optimum utilisation of resources.

Need for effective cohesive effort at District level

7. Officers of all related departments such as those from Health and Education were not contributing to the effective implementation of the Programme at the District level. They need to be more active.

Need for Health Impact Assessment

8. Health department has to play a major role to initiate pre-project and post- project health surveys in the SRP villages in order to ascertain the impact of SRP implementation on human health in the sector reform villages and give a feed back to the DWSC time to time so that appropriate mid course correction can be taken by the DWSC for effective implementation of SRP by the VWSC.

Issue of Community contribution

10. Stress on 10% upfront cash contribution from the community was proving counter productive to Sector Reform principles.

11. Since Sector Reform Projects is a process project, it was felt that work on schemes could be allowed to commence as soon as 5% of contribution from the community is realised with the balance 5% being collected during the execution of the project. This would facilitate speedy implementation of schemes under SRP.

Duration of Project

12. Being a process project, it is not practically feasible to close the project exactly on the day the three-year period is ending. The Mission feels that an extension upto March, 2004 may be granted to the SRP projects in Alwar, Jaipur and Sikar and the District Authorities may be permitted to take up new schemes where community contribution is forthcoming and where the schemes can be completed by March, 2004.

Execution of works by VWSC

13. At several places, the VWSC expressed the desire to execute the works themselves under the technical supervision of the PHED officers. Any saving resulting through the work being undertaken by the VWSC could go into the O&M Fund of the VWSC.

Support to VWSC

14. The Mission observed that in Rajasthan situation the Technical Member(JE/AE) in VWSC is playing a vital role at every stage of SRP. Quantitative and qualitative support from the Technical Member to the VWSC will be essence of success of SRP in Rajasthan.

15. In areas where power supply position is unreliable, provision of a stand-bye diesel generating set could be made a part of the scheme (provided the community demands it) so as to ensure assured supply of safe drinking water to the villagers.

16. Members of all the VWSCs could be brought together at one forum periodically where they can exchange notes share experiences – one-day workshops could be organised at Block levels. Visits of selected Presidents/ members of VWSCs could also be organised to other SRP/TSC districts and States.

Transfer of excess community contribution to O&M Fund

17. In case of villages where community contribution of more than 10% has been collected, amount in excess of 10% should be credited to the Operation & Maintenance Fund of the VWSC.

Independent third party assessment and certification of quality of construction

18. At the District level, a team of knowledgeable persons comprising of engineers, NGOs, experts, institutions could be constituted by the DWSC to inspect and certify the quality of construction as well as make an assessment of the implementation of the Programme. This independent assessment would enable the VWSC and the DWSC to take corrective measures. This team could be asked to visit all VWSCs at least once in a quarter.

19. A similar arrangement could be put in place at the State level where a 4 member Team visits each SRP/TSC district every quarter and gives its report tot the Secretary, PHED.

Extend scope of IEC

20. Aspects of sustainability of sources, water conservation, water recharge, water recycling , water quality and hygiene need to be stressed upon. This is presently not being adequately covered in the IEC activities. The Mission recommends that a comprehensive integrated IEC activities encompassing both water supply and sanitation need to launched in SRP villages.

Post Project follows up action

21. Even after the completion of the SRP/TSC projects, certain follow up action would be required. This may include impact assessment in terms of health, decline in incidence of water borne diseases, etc. Further, the functioning of the VWSCs and the schemes must be regularly monitored may be twice a year initially and once a year after about 3 years to ensure that the water supply and sanitation system does not fall into disuse through any reason and corrective, supportive action may be taken in time.

22. Towards this end, support to DWSM and DWSC may require to be continued even after the completion of the project. The State Government and the Government of India may work out the modalities of support.

Timely release of funds

23. The Mission observed that delay in release of second instalment was cause of concern for the VWSCs executing the schemes and the District authorities. Districts of Alwar, Jaipur and Sikar had become eligible for release of funds and they had forwarded their claims to Government of India.

24. The district authorities requested that release of instalments should not be tied up to reports of Review Mission as this causes delay.

Future of ‘Dual policy’ in water sector in rural areas

25. After the completion of the Sector Reform Projects in a District, all existing water schemes, whether in the form of hand pumps or piped water schemes, should be handed over to the VWSCs for operation and maintenance. It would be disastrous if a dual system is allowed to persist in the water sector in rural areas.

26. Differential tariff for agricultural power and power charges for water supply would need to be addressed by the State Government as the villagers are now raising this issue. Similarly, water tariff for urban areas would also require to be addressed as the villagers have begun to question the rural-urban dichotomy in this regard.

27. The State Government would also be required to come up with a comprehensive Water Policy at the earliest.

Suggestions for better implementation of Total Sanitation Campaign

28. State share for TSC need to be made available urgently to district, block and village levels and total available funds utilized.

29. DWSC to be effective to strengthen VWSC to undertake planning, implementation and maintenance of water supply and sanitation with integrated approach.

30. Integrated IEC & HRD activities for water supp[y and sanitation in SRP villages be launched urgently with the Technical support of the Core- Group and implementation by selected NGOs having expertise in integrated approach for water supply and sanitation.

31. Basic mindset of people about the exact utility of substructure of individual latrines needs to be changed.

32. Design improvement of school latrines as well as individual house hold latrines need to done urgently.

33. All components sanitation including waste water disposal as per TSC Guidelines, to be implemented in SRP villages. Currently it is not done.

34. Rural Sanitary Marts be established as part of TSC.

35. Anganwadi workers and ANMs be involved in IEC with integrated approach to water supply and sanitation.

36. Public Contribution on water supply and sanitation be integrated. VWSCs are to be sensitized and trained accordingly.

37. Quality control of construction works for sanitation facilities be strengthened.

38. Zilla Parishad Assistant Engineer should provide continuous technical support to VWSC for implementation of TSC in SRP villages.

Release of 2nd instalment

39. The Mission recommends early release of 2nd instalment and making available to the Sector Reform Projects the net requirement of funds (Annexure IV) so as to ensure their timely completion.

REPORT OF THE REVIEW MISSION TO RAJASTHAN
20th – 24th May, 2003

A Review Mission was mounted to visit the Sector Reform Project Districts of Rajasthan and review the implementation of the Sector Reform Projects and Total Sanitation Campaign in the districts of Jaipur, Alwar, Sikar and Rajsamand between 20th –24th May, 2003. The constitution of the Review Mission was as under: -

1. Shri Sunil Kumar, Director (SW) Team Leader
2. Shri Ishwar Bhai Patel Member
3. Shri M.M.Datta Member
4. Shri Dinesh Chand Member

II. Methodology

On arrival at Jaipur on 20th May, 2003 morning, the Review Mission had preliminary Briefing Meeting with the Shri R.K.Meena, Secretary Public Health Engineering and Ground Water Department and other senior officers of the State Government at Jaipur before commencing the field visits. The members of the Review Mission were divided into two Teams with Team I comprising of Shri Sunil Kumar and Shri Dinesh Chand visiting the districts of Rajsamand and Alwar and Team II comprising of Shri Ishwar Bhai Patel and Shri M.M.Datta visiting Jaipur and Sikar. Both the Teams spent two days in each district. Team I visited 3 villages in Rajsamand and 6 villages in Alwar district. Team II visited 9 villages in Jaipur district and 5 villages in Sikar district

The selection of villages was done in such a manner as to cover almost all phases of the Sector Reform Projects, such as Institutionalising phase, Sensitisation and Identification phase, Scheme/System Planning and Implementation. Both the Teams returned to Jaipur on 23rd evening and exchanged field visit observations and information. This was continued the next day before the Review Mission joined a wrap-up Meeting on 24th May, 2003 at 1030 hours in the chamber of Shri R.K.Meena, Secretary, PHED wherein the State Government officials were apprised of the major observations in respect of implementation of Sector Reform Projects and Total Sanitation Campaign. The Mission concluded its visit to Rajasthan on 24 May, 2003 evening. The list of participants in the aforesaid meetings is enclosed at Annex-I.

III. Field Visits
(a) Rajsamand district

There are 944 villages under 206 Gram Panchayats with a population of 857590 in the district. The Sector Reform Project was sanctioned in May, 2002 at a cost of Rs.40.00 crore. Till date, 182 VWSCs have been registered, 95 water sources identified and community contribution of Rs.29.91 lakh has been mobilised by 77 VWSCs. So far, 57 schemes have been prepared and 40 schemes costing Rs.385.89 lakh have been approved. A sum of Rs.335.97 lakh has been released to VWSCs for implementation of the schemes.

11 NGOs are engaged in implementation of IEC/HRD and other activities in the district. Under SRP, 3 district, 7 Panchayat Samiti and 206 Gram Panchayat level workshops and 3 exhibitions have so far been organized. In the district Rs.119.61 lakh has been released to 35 VWSCs after signing MOU with them. The expenditure is reported at Rs.30.00 lakh. The main difficulty in implementation of schemes approved is identification of suitable water source due to ongoing drought and depleting ground water table in the area.

With this background, three villages (viz. Bhardi ki Bhagal (GP Oda), Vermala ki Bhagal and Sohangarh (G.P. Taal) were visited. It was observed during the visit that water source had been successfully identified and developed in Bhardi ki Bhagal and Sohangarh while work was still in progress in Vermala ki Bhagal and it was not clear whether development of water source would be successful at the site. District Authorities pointed out that development of sustainable water source was being done very carefully. It was based on the report of a hydrologist who would inspect the area and closely interact with the local population. The schemes under implementation were both gravity fed and power pumping schemes. Records of community contribution, meetings of VWSCs, amount received from DWSC were scrutinised and it was noted that these were being properly maintained. It was observed that people have contributed varying amounts depending upon their paying capacity. However, it was noted that further training could be imparted in account keeping.

Under Sector Reform, the State Government has fixed a panel of contractors and the VWSCs are free to select any one of them for executing the works. The members of VWSCs opined that VWSC might be authorized to take up the execution of schemes, if they wish so. They were of the opinion that in any water supply scheme, there were several components which could easily be executed by them. If permitted to take up work in this manner, they would effect considerable savings and the same could be transferred to the Operation and Maintenance Fund. It was felt that this suggestion could be accepted and the State Government could identify items of works of different water supply schemes which could be executed by the VWSC without floating tenders. However, proper measurement procedures would require to be laid down for self- implementation by VWSCs. It was observed that there was slight delay in releasing the first instalment to VWSCs. This was attributed to delay in mobilizing the contribution in full (10%). In some of the villages, the power supply was reported to be inadequate and VWSC members were of the opinion that it would be better if DG sets are sanctioned as a part of the project to ensure regular and assured supply of water to the villagers.

Under TSC, ZP was constructing household toilets without much coordination with water supply activities. The baseline survey is needed for implementation of TSC and SRP activities in integrated manner. It appears that prior UNICEF intervention has helped in creating a suitable environment for community participation in these villages. The toilets of superior type were constructed under UNICEF Programme while low cost sanitary toilets are being promoted under TSC.

In village Sohangarh, it was observed that the primary school toilets could have been better designed. Two urinals and one toilet had been constructed in one block. Water supply facilty had been provided and rain water harvesting structure had also been constructed in the school campus. This had been done under UNICEF Programme. However, it was noted that the tilets could have been more baby-friendly. Attention was drawn to innovations carried out in Tamil Nadu under the UNICEF Programme and the NGOs were requested to get in touch with their counterparts in Tamil Nadu and adopt some of the innovative features in their toilet designs. It was informed that higher secondary schools have been excluded from coverage under the programme.

The Team noted that the project implementation activity was picking up and a suitable environment had been created in the district for effective implementation of Sector Reforms Project. The team at the District level led by the District Collector and the Executive Engineer of the PHED appeared to be committed to their jobs. The NGOs also appeared to be well trained for undertaking various project related activities. However, progress in the next six months would provide a pointer to the effectiveness of the IEC campaign in the District. It was noticed that the people were aware of the principles of Sector Reforms, TSC and their role and responsibility. However, participation of women was observed to be poor due to traditional reasons, which need to be improved through IEC implementation.

(b) Alwar district

There are 1946 villages under 14 Blocks in the district with a population of 19,76,293 in the district. The Sector Reform Project was sanctioned in Sept. 2000 at a cost of Rs.40.00 crore and Rs.11.22 crore was released as 1st installment. Till date, 1290 VWSCs have been registered and Rs.128.57 lakh has been mobilized as community contribution. Administrative approval has been granted to 410 water supply schemes and financial sanction for 374 schemes costing Rs.1785.00 lakh have been issued. A sum of Rs.1092.88 lakh has released to VWSCs for implementation of the schemes. An expenditure of RS.1170.72 lakh including Rs.77.84 lakh on support items has been incurred upto 16.05.2003.

3 NGOs are engaged for implementation of IEC/HRD and other activities. Under SRP, 3 district, 92 Panchayat Samiti and 455 Village level workshops and 933 schools rallies etc. have been organized so far. In the district Rs.1092.88 lakh has been released to VWSCs after obtaining contribution to the tune of Rs.128.57 lakh from villagers and Rs.2.81 lakh from schools (44 Nos). People have contributed depending upon their paying capacity. The schemes taken up include both hand-pumps and piped water schemes. 3 schemes (2 PWS and 1 HP) have been completed and taken up by VWSCs for regular operation and maintenance, so far. The O&M charges would range between Rs.25 and Rs.50 per month / house connection. It may , however, be mentioned that a large number of schemes have been completed and their ‘atmarpan’ is held up because the final instalment of 10% has not been paid due to non-release of 2nd instalment. The project authorities mentioned that as soon as 2nd instalment is released by Government of India, all completed schemes would be formally taken over by the community for operation and maintenance.

With this background, six villages (viz. Nasarpur, Hamidpur, Kherki, Pahari, Malakheda, Hochaheli) have been visited. During visit, it was observed that the scheme had been completed in Nasarpur and Pahari while it was in different stages of implementation in the remaining villages. Records of community contribution, meetings of VWSCs, amount received from DWSC were scrutinised and it was noted that these were being properly maintained. However, it was noted that further training could be imparted in account keeping. It was observed that people have contributed varying amounts depending upon their paying capacity.

As in the case of Rajsamand, it was noted that in Alwar Sector Reforms Project too, the State Government has fixed a panel of contractors and the VWSCs are free to select any one of them for executing the works. The members of VWSCs opined that VWSC might be authorized to take up the execution of schemes, if they wish so. They were of the opinion that in any water supply scheme, there were several components which could easily be executed by them. If permitted to take up work in this manner, they would effect considerable savings and the same could be transferred to the Operation and Maintenance Fund. It was felt that this suggestion could be accepted and the State Government could identify items of works of different water supply schemes which could be executed by the VWSC without floating tenders. However, proper measurement procedures would require to be laid down for self- implementation by VWSCs. Further, the Team noted that some of the villages which were the first to respond to the Sector Reforms Project, had made community contribution of 20% of the estimated capital cost as against the stipulation of 10% in the Sector Reforms Project Guidelines. This was attributed to directions issued by the State Government. However, in the new schemes that are being taken up under the Sector Reforms Project, community contribution of 10% alone is being collected. However, this has created an anomalous situation in the field. Villagers were of the opinion that excess community contribution should be transferred to the Operation and Maintenance Fund, thereby swelling the corpus and this could later be used for renewal/ replacement of existing water supply schemes.

About 70-80% houses were with household toilets in the villages visited. Nasarpur and Hochaheli were well placed to attain 100% coverage under the Total Sanitation Campaign and file their claim for Nirmal Gram Puraskar. It appears that prior UNICEF intervention has helped in creating a congenial environment of community participation in these villages. VIP type toilets were being constructed under UNICEF programme.

As regards school toilets, while these had been constructed at the Primary school, Nasarpur and also had water supply facility, it was felt that the designs could have been more baby-friendly as children in different age-groups use these toilets. It was informed that higher secondary schools have been excluded from coverage under the programme.

The Team noted that the project implementation activity had picked up and a suitable environment had been created in the district for effective implementation of Sector Reforms Project. The team at the District level led by the District Collector and the Superintending Engineer and Executive Engineers of the PHED appeared to be committed to their jobs. The NGOs also appeared to be well trained for undertaking various project related activities. It was noticed that the people were aware of the principles of Sector Reforms, TSC and their role and responsibility. However, participation of women was observed to be poor inmost villages due to traditional reasons and this needs to be addressed. However, in Hochaheli village, women were very active and were fully aware of both the Sector Reforms Project as well as the Total Sanitation Campaign.

In some villages, the electricity supply position was reported to be bad and DG sets were demanded by VWSC members. It appears that this problem may cause a set back for the proper running of the schemes. Project authorities were advised to give a serious thought to this demand for sanctioning of DG set under the project on case-to-case basis as if due to non-supply of power, the villagers were unable to provide assured supply of water, they would lose all credibility and the future of entire reform initiative would be at stake. This problem was especially acute in Pahari village which was located at one end of the electricity feeder line and power breakdown was frequent. Similar demand was also raised in Hamidpur and Kherki villages.

In some of the villages wall paintings bearing information about water supply schemes under taken and slogans about safe water and sanitation were observed. However, wall paintings depicting the good sanitation practices and safe use of water were not found in all the villages or school walls. This needs to be adopted as a part of IEC programme.

A. SECTOR REFORM PROJECTS

IV. Institutional Arrangements

At the State level, the State Water and Sanitation Mission (SWSM) has been constituted under the chairmanship of Development Commissioner vide G.O dated 06.02.2001 (Annex- II). The SWSM has met every six months. A copy of the Minutes of the last meeting of the SWSM is enclosed at Annex -III.

To provide operational flexibility to the State for integrated implementation of water supply and sanitation projects, Government of Rajasthan issued Notification No. CE (RO)/2000-01/RGNDWM/2626-2755 dated 20.06.2000 wherein constitution of (a) Apex Committee and (b) Executive Committee along with functions of both committees were notified. The Apex Committee has met on four occasions --First Meeting on 28.06.2000; second on 17.01.2001; third on 17.11.2001 and fourth on 17.04.2002. In addition, under the Chairmanship of Special Secretary, PHED two meetings were held on 10.09.2002 and 24.10.2002. The Apex Committee in its First Meeting constituted Executive Committee. Government of Rajasthan vide Office Order No.PHED/ SWSM/2K/2937-2970 dated 29.06.2000, constituted (a) Executive Committee of State Water & Sanitation Mission, (b) District level Water and Sanitation Mission in Barmer, Jaipur, Alwar, Sikar districts of the State with constitution of Governing Body and District level Water and Sanitation Committee. DWSC for Rajsamand was approved by Apex Committee in its third meeting on 17.11.2001.

At the District level, the District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) has been constituted under the chairmanship of Zilla Parishad Adhyksha in all the four Districts. The District Water and Sanitation Committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of District Collector.

The Apex Committee in its Second Meeting on 17.01.2001 and Government of Rajasthan vide its Circular No.11682-707 dated 06.02.2001 approved composition of Village level Water and Sanitation Committee. Apex Committee in its Fourth Meeting on 17.04.2002 approved that in one Panchayat, only one VWSC be formed irrespective of number of villages in Panchayat. Sarpanch of the Panchayat should be Chairman of the VWSC. The Review Mission noticed that most of the VWSCs in Jaipur and Sikar districts are not chaired by Sarpanch(s) of the respective village(s). This anomaly needs to be rectified where it would be necessary.

At the village level, the Village Water and Sanitation Committee (VWSC) had been constituted in all the villages inspected by the Mission in all the four districts. Normally, it has 15 members of which about 4 members are women. However, in Jaipur it varies between 13 and 15 members of which nil to 2 are women and in Sikar 11 to 18 members of which 2 to 4 are women as observed by the Mission. In Rajsamand and Alwar districts similar observation were made. The women nominated in VWSC were not actively involved in SRP or TSC activities except in some villages.

V. Role of Nodal Department

The Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED) is the Nodal Department for executing the Sector Reform Projects in the State. Secretary (PHED) is the Member Secretary of the SWSM and he is the Chairman of the Executive Committee of SWSM. Superintending Engineer at Hqs. at Jaipur, Sikar and Alwar and Executive Engineer in case of Rajsamand have been designated as Member Secretary and Drawing and Disbursing Officer in DWSC vide office order no. PHED/SWSM/2001-02 dated—and as confirmed in the Apex Committee Meetings dated 17.04.02 and 17.11.01 respectively. The Mission observed that the Nodal department is committed to the Sector Reform and has been providing technical support required in the process.

VI. Identification of NGOs

The Mission noted that the activities of NGOs at district level were reviewed in a meeting on 19.06.2002 under the chairmanship of Special Secretary, PHED. NGOs in Alwar and Rajsamand districts have been involved in implementation activities whereas in Jaipur & Sikar they were still lagging behind. The identification process of NGOs and their effective deployment at village level to work in close partnership with VWSC with strong IEC inputs for integrated planning, implementation, operation and maintenance and monitoring and management of both water supply and sanitation at village level is yet to be developed to the desired extent in Sikar and Jaipur Sector Reform Projects.

VII. Identification Phase

The project concept is based on active community participation and demand driven approach which is different from the normative PHED top down approach for drinking water service delivery as per Sector Reform Guidelines. The Panchayati Raj department is the nodal department for sanitation. Though Guidelines for water supply are equally applicable for sanitation but in the absence of integrated guidelines, selection process of villages, technology options, schemes, differ in identification phase. Technical inputs to VWSCs from Nodal department for water supply are currently playing a vital role in identification phase. But it was observed that due to lack of technical expertise/ training of the officers of the Nodal department for Sanitation programme, the technical input for sanitation programme was inadequate.

VIII. IEC and HRD activities

Sensitisation and awareness creation amongst members of VWSCs and implementers through IEC is one of the critical activities in the Sector Reform process. The process has started in the Sector Reform districts with varying degrees of success but a lot yet remains to be done. IEC with regard to technical & financial areas from PHED are visible in identification, planning and implementation phases in varying degrees. In O&M phase, it is yet to be seen. Application of IEC with regard to software activities in water supply sector is not adequate in Sikar and Jaipur districts. IEC activities both for technical and soft areas in sanitation, particularly in Sikar and Jaipur, were not visible. The Mission feel that IEC activities should be accelerated immediately so as to build a suitable atmosphere for greater community participation in the project and mobilisation of community contribution and also adoption of the entire process activities as outlined in the Guidelines. IEC on water tariff is gradually gaining ground in the Sector Reform Project villages. But IEC on technological options, O&M need to be further strengthened.

IEC & HRD activities are complementary to each other. The Mission noted that a Core Group was constituted (EC meeting dated 19.06.2002) at the level of SWSM to assist SWSM in day to day activities to monitor progress of Project including IEC &HRD activities, to identify bottle necks & to advice DWSM, co-ordinate between SWSM & DWSM and to make field visits in Sector Reform districts with aim to achieve target.. This Core Group has to play a vital role in IEC & HRD. The Mission is of the opinion that the capacity building of VWSCs (implementers of Sector Reform) in all sequencing phases of integrated project should be the fundamental task of this Core Group. The group should (a) assess training need of VWSCs; (b) identify most appropriate NGOs to impart integrated training; (c) ensure appropriate training modules are prepared by professionally qualified NGOs and used to impart training to VWSC members; (d) monitor and evaluate VWSC training programme and (e) ensure that mid course corrections are taken as would be required in the training programme.

IX. Technology option

Technical options with financial implications and O& M issues of the technical options for sustainability of the systems are crucial to VWSCs in the reform process. Ground reality in the Sector Reform districts in Rajasthan is that the PHED has to play a major role in educating the members of the VWSCs in this regard. As per Circular No. Secy./PHED/ SWSM/2000-01/11682-707 dated 6.2.01 Technical member (works upto Rs.5.00 lakh by J.E and above Rs. 5.00 lakh by A.E of PHED) of VWSC has been made responsible for quality of work, measurements of work & other technical matters starting from planning to execution & commission. J.E / A.E. ,as applicable, shall also help VWSC on technical matters even after scheme is taken over by VWSC. So in the selection of technology options by VWSCs, normally the views of the PHED prevails.

Hand Pumps and Piped Water Supply schemes based on Ground Water Source are being executed in the Sector Reform districts. The Mission observed that main emphasis was on the extraction of ground water. In such a scenario, schemes relating to recharge of ground water and rain water harvesting need to be given adequate attention. VWSCs need to be trained accordingly. It was heartening to note that lot of check-dams had been built in Rajsamand and Alwar districts.

X. Community participation in decision-making

From the records made available to the Mission and observation in the field visit and discussions with the VWSCs members, the Mission noted that community participation in decision making process has started in varying degrees in the Sector Reform Projects. In Alwar and Rajsamand Sector Reforms Project, the role of community is clearly visible. In Jaipur Sector Reforms Project, the community is slowly becoming aware of its role and responsibilities and the process is slowly gathering momentum. In Sikar, initially supply driven approach was followed. However, sincere efforts have been made in the last few months to rectify the past mistakes and follow the process outlined in the Guidelines and adopt a demand driven approach. Source / site identification in Sector Reform districts was generally found to be based on sound principles. However, IEC & HRD efforts require to be further intensified in all the four Sector Reform districts and especially in Jaipur and Sikar Sector Reform Projects in order to further strengthen the reform process.

XI. Scheme/System Planning

The Mission noted that in the system planning process, attitudinal changes are taking place at all levels. Participatory demand driven approach with sustainability concept is gradually creeping into the system / scheme planning process. However, it is yet to acquire full shape.

XII. Implementation

The Mission noted that panel of contractors for execution of works, as per Govt. Rules, are approved by DWSCs after calling tenders and approval of rates and conditions and sent to the VWSCs. The VWSCs are free to select any contractor from the panel and issue work orders for execution of the scheme(s). It was also clarified that VWSC can get the work executed by any other registered contractor provided (i) Specifications approved by DWSC area not relaxed; (ii) Rates are lower than approved by DWSC. (iii) VWSC selects the contractor & approves rates as per rules prevalent in states. Secretary, PHED, Government of Rajasthan felt that the VWSC could be given a free hand in execution of work by engaging any contractor of their choice or getting the work done under their supervision provided quality of work is certified by an approved technical person (Engineer).

XIII. Present status of implementation

The present status of implementation of Sector Reform Projects in all the four Sector Reform Projects in Rajasthan, based on information made available by the Project Authorities is as under:-

Financial Progress:
(Rs. In Crore)

Physical Progress:

XIV. Taking over of completed schemes

The Mission observed during the field visit that approved works in several Sector Reforms Projects including in four Jaipur Sector Reform villages - Vidhani, Udaipura, Risini and Anantpur- and Kanchanpur village in Sikar district were on the verge of completion. It was felt that members of the VWSCs of these villages required to be apprised of the handing over process. All possible support in this direction should be provided to such VWSCs by DWSCs at least in the initial stages.

As per Circular No.Secy./PHED/SWSM/11682-707 dated 6.2.01 VWSC has to submit report on completion through Junior Engineer to Member Secretary DWSC. As per this circular, after verifying the facts, the scheme shall be transferred to VWSC for maintenance. There is some ambiguity in this circular. The Mission observed that handing over process of completed schemes was not very clear. The scheme on completion should be taken over by the Panchayat. The Panchayat may authorize VWSC to take over the completed scheme and its assets as custodian of Panchayat and be responsible for day-to-day operation and maintenance of such scheme and raise tariff for O&M and to generate sinking funds to meet expenditure for future major repair work and replacement of electric pump.

XV. Operation and Maintenance

A number of schemes in Sector Reform Projects will entire into Operation and Maintenance phase shortly. The Mission could not find any O&M Guidelines for completed scheme to be used by VWSC. If no such Guidelines is readily available, it would be appropriate that the Core Group ensures preparation of such Guidelines and the same is made available to concerned VWSCs on priority basis. Continuous capacity building of members of VWSC, pump operators, linemen is to be ensured by the DWSC. This task may me entrusted to appropriate NGOs. The Mission observed that IEC on water tariff is being carried out in all four Sector Reforms Projects. However, this would need to be further strengthened and reinforced in order to make the system sustainable.

XVI. Role of women and / SC/ST

As per circular No.1162-707 dated 06.02.01 issued by Secretary, PHED and approved by Apex Committee in the 2nd meeting on 17.01.2001, representation to all sections of Society especially to weaker section and women has been given in the VWSC. While checking at random the composition of the VWSCs during field visit, the Mission observed that adequate representation has been given to SC/ST and women .The Mission was pleased to note inclusion of two SC, one ST and one Woman in the 18 members VWSC of Trilokpura village in Sikar district. It was noted that chairpersons of a few VWSCs were women. SC/ST and women members are playing an active role in some VWSCs while in several others their role is passive.

XVII. Financial Management

In a meeting under the chairmanship of Special Secretary PHED on 24.10.2002, financial management of the VWSCs was reviewed. The meeting noticed that access of VWSC to the financial guidelines issued by RGNDWM was lacking. The meeting also observed that although the Financial Manual published by RGNDWM is in Hindi, yet the language is too complicated to be understood by VWSC. Therefore it was decided in the above meeting that Superintending Engineer (Rural) of PHED would take extracts related to working of VWSC in financial matters as per Manual in simple Hindi for the convenience of VWSC. The Mission observed that implementation of the above decision is yet to be fully visible in all the VWSCs. However, it was reported that the Manual has been prepared and circulated by Superintending Engineer (Rural).On the whole financial management of the VWSC was observed to be satisfactory.

XVIII. Water Quality

The Mission observed that requisite attention was not being given to water quality. Water Quality guidelines in simple language (in Hindi) which can be easily understood and followed by VWSC, need to be prepared URGENTLY by a competent and qualified NGO and approved by Superintending Engineer (Rural) of PHED and CMO and widely disseminated amongst VWSC for its use. VWSC members are to be trained on water quality management.

XIX. Sustainability of sources

Ground water sources are the lifeline in major part of Rajasthan. Due to prolonged drought in Ragasthan and over exploitation of Ground Water (for irrigation, drinking water, construction purposes, to meet industrial demand), water table is depleting very fast throughout the State. In some parts of the State, particularly in Barmer district, Ground water mining has already started. This is a dangerous trend in so far as sustainability is concerned. Although expert opinion of hydro-geologist are taken in selection of sources, as observed by the Mission, in Sector Reform Projects, but this is not sufficient for ensuring sustainability of the system. Current efforts have been directed towards extraction of Ground Water to meet the demand. The Mission could not find any integrated scheme, in the Sector Reform Project, which not only extract finite quantity of water from ground to meet the drinking water demand but also assist to recharge ground water during rainy season. Simply withdrawing money (precious ground water) from Bank (ground), without any effort to deposit money in the Bank (recharge) may lead to bankruptcy in the long run. Catchment treatment, Rain water Harvesting, Recycling and Re-use of waste water for irrigation and flushing of toilets, minimizing leakage and wastage of water, minimizing evaporation losses from big reservoirs and lakes, other preventive and corrective measures to conserve precious water resources in the State and particularly in Sector Reform Projects, need to be encouraged and VWSCs are to trained and guided accordingly.

The Mission recommends that an easily understandable Technical Guidelines may be prepared in Hindi for sustainability of sources by a technically qualified NGO with the guidance of the Core Group and circulated amongst VWSCs for their consideration to ensure sustainability of sources.

XX. Water tariff

A very positive attitudinal change noticed by the Mission in fixing and collection of water tariff in villages undertaken in Sector Reform Projects. A very good process /mechanism with technical support from J.E./A.E in the VWSC, is being developed in the Sector Reform Projects. The Mission was pleased to notice a few remarkable developments in progress with regard to water tariff. These are:

1. VWSC Nangal (Cat.2) in Sikar district

A. Old Existing System:

1. Piped Water Supply with 3 Nos. Tube Wells and A Service Reservoir and 320 House Service Connections (HSC).

(a) Current Water tariff : Rs.26.00 per month per HSC
(b) Current water tariff collection: 320x Rs.26 = Rs.8,320/-p.m.
(c) Current Expenditure:
(d) Electricity bill@Rs.2500/-per month per TubeWell for 3 Nos.Tube Wells : Rs. 7,500.00p.m
(e) Payment as salary to 3 pump operators and 1 line man@ Rs. 5,000/-per person : Rs.20,000.00 p.m
(f) Other Expenditure towards O&M : Rs.5,000.00 p.m

Total : Rs.32,500.00 p.m
(g) Current deficit: (f) minus (b) = Rs.32,500.00 – Rs.8,320.00

= Rs. 24,180.00 p.m

Remarks:

The deficit is met by PHED (State Government ) as Non–plan Expenditure. In the existing system, prevailing cost sharing on O&M, as observed by the Mission, is :

State Government (PHED) : 75%
Consumer (community) : 25%

B. New Sector Reform System

2. Piped Water Supply with 3 Nos. TWs (old) plus 1 No.TW (new) and a Service Reservoir and 320 old and 110 new House Service Connections (HHCs) making total 430 HSCs to be managed by the VWSC in Nangal village on completion of the scheme.

(a) VWSC Nangal is planning to raise the Water tariff from current Rs.26.00 p.m.per HSC to : Rs. 60.00 p.m per HSC and if paid within one week of bill date, it would be Rs. 52.00 per month per HSC
(b) Expected water tariff collection on completion of the scheme : 430 X Rs.52.00 = Rs. 22,360.00 p.m
(c) Expected Expenditure as planned by theVWSC:
(d) Electricity bill@Rs.2500/-per month per TubeWell for 4 Nos.Tube Wells : Rs10,000.00p.m
(e) Payment as salary to ONE pump operator and 1 line man@ Rs. 5,000/-per person : Rs.10,,000.00 p.m
(f) Other Expenditure towards O&M : Rs2,000.00 p.m

Total : Rs 22,000 p.m
(g) (Expected Water tariff - Expected expenditure) per month = Rs. 22,360.00 –Rs.22,000.00 =Rs. 360.00 p.m (Saving)

Remarks

It is observed from the above that the on completion of this scheme in the Sector Reform district (Sikar) entire O&M cost (100%) is expected to be recovered by the VWSC from the consumers by raising the tariff from Rs. 26.00 to Rs. 52.00 p.m per HSC, if paid within one week of receipt of bill, otherwise Rs. 60.00 p.m per HSC. Once this is done and implemented on completion of the scheme and taking over by VWSC Nangal, this will be an excellent example of 100% cost recovery in Sector Reform project. Mind set and frame work of action to raise water tariff has been started already in VWSC, as observed by the Mission.

Similar exercise in respect of Kanchanpur (Cat.1) VWSC revealed 100% O&M cost would be borne by the consumers shortly with expected saving of Rs.4, 500.00 p.m.These are a few good examples of Sector Reform process, in so far as Water tariff is concerned, as observed by the Mission.

XXI. Enabling Environment

Attitudinal change with regard Government (PHED) as facilitator has been observed in the Sector Reform districts. VWSCs have been given freehand in execution of works. Strong decentralization, strong commitment by the Panchayats and transparency in selection of beneficiaries has been observed.

XXII. Record keeping

The process and mechanism of record keeping, on the whole ,has been observed Good. The Mission during field visit checked at random the records/ documents maintained / being started by VWSCs. Preparation and maintenance of type and number of records/ documents as well as quality of records/documents maintained by VWSCs had been observed varying depending upon the inputs each VWSC has been receiving from the Technical Member in the VWSC. The Mission recommends that each concerned DWSC should look into these aspects and guide the VWSC accordingly to ensure that uniformity and quality of record keeping in VWSC is established at every stage of reform process. As an example, the Mission wish to record their observation on Record keeping in VWSC Nangal as follows:

1. VWSC Register:

First meeting held on: 27.02.2001
Last meeting held on :13.04.2003

During the above 26 months, No. of VWSC meetings actually held :16 Nos.
During the above 26 months, No. of VWSC meetings required was :26 Nos.
VWSC meetings were not held as per guidelines i.s one meeting per month.

Proceedings as recorded in the Register: Checked.
General observation: O.K. However, needs guidance to improve recording.

2. Cash Book: Checked. O.K.
3. Stock Register and Voucher File: Maintained. Found O.K.
4. Dispatch and Receipts File: Maintained. Found O.K.
5. Bill Book: Yet to be prepared.
6. Receipt Book: Yet to be prepared.
7. Connection record file: Yet to be prepared.
8. Pass Book: Checked.Rs.185,900.00 deposited on 2.5.2001in SBI A/c No. 129.
9. Agreement Record with Consumer: Yet to be prepared.
10. Audit Report: Yet to be prepared.

General Observation: VWSC to be guided by DWSC to prepare and complete all the Records as per Guidelines. Quality of Record keeping needs to be improved.

XXIII. Annual Action Plan

The Mission received the Annual Action Plan for the four Sector Reforms Project during the Wrap-up meeting with Secretary, PHED and other officials of the State Government on 24 May, 2003 morning. The details of the Action Plan are as under:

Action Plan for completion of schemes under Sector Reforms Project

State Authorities stated that if 2nd instalment is released during June, 2003 then they would be able to complete all category A and B schemes by December, 2003 and March, 2004. It was agreed that District Rajsamand would file claim for release of 2nd instalment by December, 2003.

B. Total Sanitation Campaign

XXIV. General observation

For Total Sanitation Campaign, Rs. 412 lakh was made available to the State Government by Government of India for Jaipur district against which only Rs. 60.00 lakh spent upto May, 2003. 763 units of latrines have been constructed. GOI funds of Rs. 352 lakh are available with State Government for TSC in Jaipur district. In the absence of State share, available GOI fund is yet to be utilized. Target of 1556 units of latrines in Jaipur is yet to be reached. The same situation is prevailing in Sikar district. On the whole, performance of TSC has been categorised as ‘Very Poor’ by the Mission in Jaipur and Sikar districts. In Rajsamand and Alwar districts, thanks to the UNICEF Programme, performance is slightly better and in some of the villages that were inspected, good work had been done and a congenial environment had been created where, with some more effort, the programme could take off. A copy of instructions issued by Government of Rajasthan regarding implementation of the Total Sanitation Campaign and the latest financial and physical progress report made available by the State Government is enclosed at Annex- IV.

XXV. Major Problems

The Mission identified certain major problems in the implementation of the Total Sanitation Campaign in the State and especially in Jaipur and Sikar districts which did not have the benefit of a UNICEF programme. These are as under:-

• IEC and HRD lacking.
• Lack of felt need.
• No motivator.
• No motivation.
• Design of toilet, pit, cover slab and squatting plate need improvement.
• Disposal arrangement of wastewater is absent
• No Rural Sanitary Mart.
• Poor technical support.
• Sanitation is not a political tool to get vote.
• Delay in release of State share since last 3 years.

Government of India provided Rs. 20,000/- per unit of School Latrine against which State Government is spending Rs. 10,000/- per unit of School Latrine (Rs. 7, 000/-for material and Rs. 3,000/- towards labour of which Rs. 2,250/-as Special component of SGRY as wheat and Rs.750/-as cash).Payment as per muster role kept by the Head Master / Principal of the school.
Quality of construction of School Latrine has been observed to be Poor.

XXVI. VWSC Structure & its Role

The focus of attention of existing VWSCs is on water supply and sanitation has received a back seat. Appropriate representation for Sanitation is absent. As a result VWSC currently has no role in planning, implementation, mobilization of community for TSC. VWSCs need to be strengthened and sensitized to adopt an integrated approach and undertake activities in respect of both water supply and sanitation. In Alwar and Rajsamand districts, members of VWSCs were more aware of the Total Sanitation Campaign and this could also be attributed to the efforts of the NGOs engaged in the effort in these two districts.

XXVII. Role of DWSC in Sanitation

The DWSC was found to be totally ineffective in Jaipur and Sikar districts. Water and Sanitation must be approached in an integrated manner and the District Collectors will have to adopt a more pro-active role. In Alwar and Rajsamand districts, the situation was slightly better and it was impressed upon the District Collectors that they must place equal focus on the sanitation programme.

XXVIII. Public Contribution

PHED has been providing guidance to VWSC in mobilization of Public Contribution for water supply. They do not have adequate experience to provide support to VWSC for mobilization of public fund for sanitation in SRP villages. There is a big loop hole in mobilization of Public Fund for sanitation in SRP villages. Technical Member of VWSC remains to be trained in Sanitation. This is largely due to poor coordination and lack of integrated approach by the PHED and the Rural Development departments. Each and every household should contribute by way of cash, kind and or labour. Individual Public Contribution should be made all families including the BPL families.

XXIX. Block and District Level Workshops

Block and District level workshops had been reportedly conducted in all the Blocks. All the Block and District level officials had received training on TSC.

C. Major Observations

XXX. Major observations of the Review Mission

The Mission felt that the implementation of the Sector Reform Projects in the State was picking up after initial hiccups and delay. Mistakes are being rectified. The letter and spirit of the Programme was, by and large, being observed in the districts and the villages, members of the VWSC and district officials were aware of the Sector Reform principles, their duties and responsibilities.

Role of Community

The manner in which community contribution had been mobilised in the Districts, especially Alwar and Rajsamand, clearly reflected the ability and the willingness of the local community to pay for better service. In case of Sikar, however, the Mission got the impression that the Programme had been started in a ‘supply-driven mode’ although now sincere efforts are being made to rectify past mistakes and implement the scheme as per Guidelines.

It was also heartening to note the high degree of community participation in the decision making process in areas like selection of scheme, award of work, purchase of material, determination of quantum of contribution from each household, fixation of water tariff, duration of water supply etc. However, the position in this regard required to be further improved in Jaipur and Sikar.

The Mission was happy to note that User satisfaction level was high in all villages where the scheme had been completed and the users were willingly paying the water tariff which on an average was between Rs. 35-40 per household per month.

The villagers had a sense of achievement, pride and had a high degree of ownership of the water supply schemes. This was a welcome feature and the district officers themselves had noted this.

Integration of Water and Sanitation

All the SRP district are also TSC districts. It is extremely important that both SRP and TSC are implemented in a cohesive and integrated manner in the district. The Nodal department in the district for SRP is the PHED while the Zilla Parishad is implementing TSC. The Mission feels that integration of Water and Sanitation is urgently required at all levels – the State, District and Village. IEC and HRD strategy and activities could and must be common to ensure synergy of effort and optimum utilisation of resources.

Need for effective cohesive effort at District level

The Mission observed that both programmes had by and large been left to the concerned nodal department and the District collector or the CEO of the Zilla Parishad. Other members of the DWSC such as those from Health, Education and other related departments were not contributing to the desired level. It was felt that if these officers also visited the villages where schemes are being implemented and gave their active input in project implementation, the quality and effectiveness of the programme will improve manifold.

Need for Health Impact Assessment

Health department has to play a major role to initiate pre-project and post- project health surveys in the SRP villages in order to ascertain the impact of SRP implementation on human health in the sector reform villages and give a feed back to the DWSC time to time so that appropriate mid course correction can be taken by the DWSC for effective implementation of SRP by the VWSC. Support of the field level agencies such as Rural Health and Population Development Trust may mobilized for implementation of Health Impact Assessment .The Mission feels that the health department may also contribute towards IEC activities through their manpower available at PHC or in the form of health workers.

Issue of Community contribution

It emerged that changes in the policy framework especially those relating to community contribution of 10% being in cash and upfront had posed serious difficulties before the Field functionaries. First and foremost, in view of the severe drought conditions, the process of collecting the stipulated 10% contribution from the community was taking a longer period and hence contributing to delay in commencement of work on the scheme. Secondly, it had also created a credibility crisis before the field functionaries as entire IEC in the last three years had been done on the premise that community contribution could be in cash, kind or labour. Hence, the Mission feels that the original stipulation in the Guidelines of the Sector Reform Projects may be restored as that would provide a fillip to speedy execution of schemes under the Sector Reform Projects in the State.

Since Sector Reform Projects is a process project, it was felt that work on schemes could be allowed to commence as soon as 5% of contribution from the community is realised with the balance 5% being collected during the execution of the project. This would facilitate speedy implementation of schemes under SRP. Stress on 10% upfront cash contribution from the community was proving counter productive to Sector Reform principles.

Duration of Project

Being a process project, it is not practically feasible to close the project exactly on the day the three-year period is ending. It was felt that since the Sector Reform Projects in the districts of Jaipur, Alwar and Sikar were among the first pilot projects and it took time before the concept was understood by the State Authorities, the Mission felt that it would be detrimental to the effort put in and the Sector Reform principles if no extension was granted to these projects. The Mission feels that an extension upto March, 2004 may be granted to the SRP projects in Alwar, Jaipur and Sikar and the District Authorities may be permitted to take up new schemes where community contribution is forthcoming and where the schemes can be completed by March, 2004.

The Mission also feels that the stipulation of 3 years for completion of Sector Reform Projects may be relaxed since these cannot be started nor closed abruptly like an electric switch. Being a process project, Sector Reform Projects involved working with people from diverse cultural, social and economic backgrounds and changing the mindset of dependency on Government – the ‘ Mai-Baap syndrome’ and this takes time. Thus as long as the process stipulated in the Sector Reform Projects Guidelines are being faithfully adhered to, Government of India could adopt a flexible attitude in this matter.

Execution of works by VWSC

At several places, the VWSC expressed the desire to execute the works themselves under the technical supervision of the PHED officers. District officers agreed that quite a few works could easily be executed by the VWSC and those works need not be tendered. In Rajasthan, a panel of contractors is handed over to the VWSC along with their rates at which the works could be awarded by the VWSC. While this is a useful guiding principle, it need not be mandatory to execute all works through contractors. In this regard, works could be identified which must be executed by qualified contractors such as construction of overhead tanks, other works such as laying of pipelines, development of water source could be done by the VWSC.

Any saving resulting through the work being undertaken by the VWSC could go into the O&M Fund of the VWSC. The State Level committee is also thinking on the same line.

Support to VWSC

The Mission observed that in Rajasthan situation the Technical Member(JE/AE) in VWSC is playing a vital role at every stage of SRP. Quantitative and qualitative support from the Technical Member to the VWSC will be essence of success of SRP in Rajasthan. Keeping this in view, the work load of concerned JEs/AEs need to be carefully monitored and guided by the DWSC. Bright JEs/AEs need to be identified and such JEs/AEs should be allowed to work as Technical Member in the VWSCs. Depending upon the performance of VWSCs, suitable incentives such study tour, participation in seminar, recording in CR, advance annual increment etc. as appropriate for Excellence in performance of JE/AE be considered. The Mission made an attempt to understand average work load of per JE in VWSC in Jaipur district. Based on information made available to the Mission observed:

1. Total No. of SRPs implemented by VWSCs in Jaipur district : 327
2. Total No. of JEs for (1) above : 36
3. Average SRP per JE in Jaipur district : 9 O.K..
4. Maximum No. of SRPs with ONE JE (in Chokshi) : 28 (HPS).O.K
5. Minimum No. of SRPs with ONE JE (in in Virat Nagar) : 2 (PWSS). O.K.

Desirable Norm per JE:

*Hand Pump Scheme (HPS): 35 - 40 Nos. per JE.
*P&T Scheme: 20 Nos. per JE.
*Piped Water Supply Scheme: 15 Nos. per JE

It is extremely important that all possible steps are taken to ensure that the credibility of the VWSC is not compromised. Towards this end, all possible support within the framework of the Guidelines must be extended to the VWSC both during execution of the scheme and after the completion of the scheme by all concerned – officers of the PHED, District Authorities and the State Government.

In areas where power supply position is unreliable, provision of a stand-bye diesel generating set could be made a part of the scheme (provided the community demands it) so as to ensure assured supply of safe drinking water to the villagers.

Members of all the VWSCs could be brought together at one forum periodically where they can exchange notes share experiences – one-day workshops could be organised at Block levels. Visits of selected Presidents/ members of VWSCs could also be organised to other SRP/TSC districts and States.

Transfer of excess community contribution to O&M Fund

In case of villages where community contribution of more than 10% has been collected, amount in excess of 10% should be credited to the Operation & Maintenance Fund of the VWSC.

Independent third party assessment and certification of quality of construction

At the District level, a team of knowledgeable persons comprising of engineers, NGOs, experts, institutions could be constituted by the DWSC to inspect and certify the quality of construction as well as make an assessment of the implementation of the Programme. This independent assessment would enable the VWSC and the DWSC to take corrective measures. This team could be asked to visit all VWSCs at least once in a quarter.

A similar arrangement could be put in place at the State level where a 4 member Team visits each SRP/TSC district every quarter and gives its report tot the Secretary, PHED.

Extend scope of IEC

Aspects of sustainability of sources, water conservation, water recharge, water recycling , water quality and hygiene need to be stressed upon. This is presently not being adequately covered in the IEC activities. The Mission recommends that a comprehensive integrated IEC activities encompassing both water supply and sanitation need to launched in SRP villages.

Post Project follows up action

Even after the completion of the SRP/TSC projects, certain follow up action would be required. This may include impact assessment in terms of health, decline in incidence of water borne diseases, etc. Further, the functioning of the VWSCs and the schemes must be regularly monitored may be twice a year initially and once a year after about 3 years to ensure that the water supply and sanitation system does not fall into disuse through any reason and corrective, supportive action may be taken in time.

Towards this end, support to DWSM and DWSC may require to be continued even after the completion of the project. The State Government and the Government of India may work out the modalities of support.

Timely release of funds

The Mission observed that delay in release of second instalment was cause of concern for the VWSCs executing the schemes and the District authorities. Districts of Alwar, Jaipur and Sikar had become eligible for release of funds and they had forwarded their claims to Government of India.

The district authorities requested that release of instalments should not be tied up to reports of Review Mission as this causes delay. In this regard the Mission felt that if the State Government quickly put in place a mechanism by which an independent assessment of how the programme is being implemented in a district becomes available to Government of India along with the papers for release of instalments, that would facilitate decision by Government of India on delinking release of instalments with reports of Review Missions.

The modality of release of funds by Government of India to the SRP/TSC District may be changed during the current financial year with funds being released through the State Budget. In such a scenario, the District authorities expressed their concern about ready and timely availability of funds by the State Finance Department. Given the time bound nature of the project any such delay would be detrimental for the project. This aspect would need to be suitably addressed by the State Government.

Future of ‘Dual policy’ in water sector in rural areas

After the completion of the Sector Reform Projects in a District, all existing water schemes, whether in the form of hand pumps or piped water schemes, should be handed over to the VWSCs for operation and maintenance. It would be disastrous if a dual system is allowed to persist in the water sector in rural areas. Towards this end, IEC activity must be taken up in such villages at the earliest as almost all the Sector Reform Projects approved in the year 2000 are likely to be completed by 2004.

ifferential tariff for agricultural power and power charges for water supply would need to be addressed by the State Government as the villagers are now raising this issue. Similarly, water tariff for urban areas would also require to be addressed as the villagers have begun to question the rural-urban dichotomy in this regard.

The State Government would also be required to come up with a comprehensive Water Policy at the earliest.

Suggestions for better implementation of Total Sanitation Campaign

During the wrap up Meeting the following suggestions were made to the State Government officials for better implementation of the Total Sanitation Campaign in the State.

(a) State share for TSC need to be made available urgently to district, block and village levels and total available funds utilized.

(b) DWSC to be effective to strengthen VWSC to undertake planning, implementation and maintenance of water supply and sanitation with integrated approach.

(c) Integrated IEC & HRD activities for water supp[y and sanitation in SRP villages be launched urgently with the Technical support of the Core- Group and implementation by selected NGOs having expertise in integrated approach for water supply and sanitation.

(d) Basic mindset of people about the exact utility of substructure of individual latrines needs to be changed.

(e) Design improvement of school latrines as well as individual house hold latrines need to done urgently.

(f) All components sanitation including waste water disposal as per TSC Guidelines, to be implemented in SRP villages. Currently it is not done.

(g) Rural Sanitary Marts be established as part of TSC.

(h) Promotional activities on TSC are visible in SRP villages.

(i) Anganwadi workers and ANMs be involved in IEC with integrated approach to water supply and sanitation.

(j) Public Contribution on water supply and sanitation be integrated. VWSCs are to be sensitized and trained accordingly.

(k) Quality control of construction works for sanitation facilities be strengthened.

(l) Zilla Parishad Assistant Engineer should provide continuous technical support to VWSC for implementation of TSC in SRP villages.

(m) Record keeping on sanitation activities: VWSC be sensitized and trained on Record keeping of water supply and sanitation in an integrated manner.

XXXI. Release of 2nd instalment

The Mission observed that the Sector Reform Projects of Alwar, Jaipur and Sikar had become eligible for release of the second Instalment. Delay in release of second instalment was hampering work in the Sector Reform Projects. The Mission recommends early release of 2nd instalment and making available to the Sector Reform Projects the net requirement of funds

(Annex - V) so as to ensure their timely completion. Further, being process projects, the Mission recommends extension of project duration upto 31.3.2004 as these cannot be terminated abruptly.

XXXII. Conclusion

The Mission noted with satisfaction that after initial delay and rectification of earlier mistakes , the implementation of all four Sector Reform Projects at Alwar, Jaipur, Sikar and Rajsamand had picked up in the State and the Project Authorities were adhering to the processes outlined in the Guidelines. Improving service reliability of drinking water ; high level of User satisfaction; spontaneous public contribution for house service connections; fixation of water tariff and regular cost recovery for O&M of water supply systems in the SRP villages, are a few positive indications which have been noticed by the Review Mission in the SRP villages visited. However, performance of TSC implementation in all the four SRP districts requires further improvement. The Mission suggests emphasis on integrated water supply and sanitation Programme activities in all the four Sector Reform Projects.

The Mission received wholehearted support and cooperation from Shri R.K. Meena, Secretary, PHED & Ground Water Department, Government of Rajasthan and officers and field staff of all the four SR districts, Collectors of the four districts, Zilla Parishad and concerned staff members of Gram Panchayats and Shri Tara Chand, Director, Panchayati Raj, Government of Rajasthan. All members of the Mission express their thanks and deep gratitude to them. Last, but not the least, the Mission is extremely grateful to Dr. R.C.Panda, Joint Secretary and Mission Director, RGNDWM and Shri Palat Mohandas, Secretary, Dept. of Drinking Water Supply, Ministry of Rural Development for their confidence in the Mission and entrusting the tasks of reviewing implementation of Sector Reform Projects in four districts of Rajasthan during the period 20-24 May, 2003.