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BC Commission gets extension

Special Correspondent

To look into modalities

Modification in ARWP approved
Modified criteria to ensure equity

NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved extension for the Commission for Economically Backward Classes by one year so that it could work out the modalities for giving effect to the measures not covered by the existing reservation policy. The Commission’s term ended on Thursday.

The mandate of the Commission is to elicit the suggestions of State governments and Union Territories on the criteria for identifying the economically backward classes and recommending welfare measures and the quantum of reservation in education and government employment. The Cabinet also approved modifications to the centrally-sponsored Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP).

Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi told reporters after the Cabinet meeting that higher allocations had been made to bring in the sustainability component under all rural water supply programmes.

MoU with States

The government approved a proposal of entering into MoUs with the State governments to ensure sustainability, as also full participation of the Panchayati Raj institutions, especially in the operation and maintenance of water supply projects.

The north-eastern States and Jammu and Kashmir will from now be provided funds on a 90:10 basis (Centre: State) to meet their special requirement.

The modified criteria for allocation of funds will seek to ensure equity while encouraging and giving incentives for good practices, ownership and participation of rural communities and Panchayati Raj institutions in the rural water supply programmes.

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