Steep increase in central assistance for Swachh Bharat Projects in urban areas

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi: Ministry of Urban Development has announced a steep increase in central assistance to various projects under Swachh Bharat Mission in urban areas. Minister for  Urban Development  M Venkaiah Naidu has approved a 75% increase in central assistance for Municipal Solid Waste Management and 45% hike for construction of Community Toilets.

Construction of Public toilets is now made eligible for central assistance while allowing construction of urinals which was not originally envisaged under Mission Guidelines.  Naidu has directed a review of Swachh Bharat Mission guidelines based on the inputs from the state governments and Urban Local Bodies seeking more central assistance and approved an increase in the same for various components of the Mission, a release from the ministry said .

Under the revised guidelines central funding for municipal solid waste management projects including procurement of dustbins, tippers, solid waste collection and transportation equipment, setting up of waste processing plants has now been  increased to 35% of project cost from the earlier 20% while the central support for construction of community toilets has been increased to Rs 39,200 per seat from the earlier Rs 27,000 per seat. Construction of public toilets has now been now made eligible for central assistance at the rate of Rs 39,200.  per seat while no such support was allowed earlier and construction of urinals, not envisaged under the original guidelines is now eligible for central support at the rate of Rs 12,800 per seat based on the suggestions received.