Swajaldhara Scheme in West Bengal :- The Swajaldhara Scheme is an important initiative by the government of India, implemented at both the national and state levels, including in West Bengal. This scheme aims to provide access to safe and clean drinking water in rural areas. It promotes community participation in managing water supply systems. In West Bengal, the Swajaldhara Scheme has made significant contributions toward improving rural water supply, ensuring that every household has access to clean and potable water.
This article will give you a detailed guide on what the Swajaldhara Scheme is, its objectives, benefits, eligibility criteria, the documents required, Swajaldhara Scheme in West Bengal Apply Online, and how to check the status of your application.
What is the Swajaldhara Scheme in West Bengal?
The Swajaldhara Scheme was introduced by the Government of India under the Ministry of Jal Shakti to provide sustainable water supply systems in rural areas. This scheme focuses on involving local communities in the decision-making process regarding water supply management. The goal is to create water supply systems that are both sustainable and community-managed.
In West Bengal, the scheme has been integrated with local governance systems, such as Gram Panchayats, to ensure that rural households have access to clean water.
Objective of the Swajaldhara Scheme in West Bengal
The Swajaldhara Scheme has clear and specific objectives:
- Safe Drinking Water: The main goal is to provide access to clean and safe drinking water to rural households, ensuring that waterborne diseases are minimized.
- Community Participation: One of the unique aspects of the scheme is the emphasis on community involvement. The scheme promotes local ownership and management of water supply systems, where the community plays a major role in operating and maintaining the infrastructure.
- Sustainability: The scheme ensures that water sources are used in a sustainable manner. It encourages the use of technology and traditional practices to conserve water sources.
- Equity and Accessibility: The scheme focuses on providing water to all sections of society, including marginalized groups and those living in remote areas.
- Improvement of Rural Infrastructure: By installing water supply systems in rural areas, the scheme contributes to the overall improvement of rural infrastructure.
Benefits of the Swajaldhara Scheme in West Bengal
The Swajaldhara Scheme offers several benefits to the people of West Bengal, especially those living in rural areas:
- Access to Clean Water: The primary benefit of the scheme is the provision of safe and clean drinking water to households that previously had limited access to water.
- Health Benefits: By providing clean water, the scheme reduces the incidence of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea.
- Women Empowerment: Traditionally, women in rural areas are responsible for fetching water. The scheme helps reduce the burden on women by providing water closer to their homes.
- Employment Opportunities: The implementation of the Swajaldhara Scheme creates job opportunities for local residents who are involved in the construction, operation, and maintenance of water supply systems.
- Cost Sharing: The scheme operates on a cost-sharing model between the government and the community. This means that the community takes ownership of the water supply system, leading to better management and maintenance.
- Environment Conservation: The scheme encourages the use of water conservation methods, rainwater harvesting, and the protection of water sources, contributing to environmental sustainability.
Eligibility Criteria for the Swajaldhara Scheme in west bengal
To benefit from the Swajaldhara Scheme, certain eligibility criteria must be met:
- Rural Residency: The scheme is targeted at residents of rural areas in West Bengal. The applicant must belong to a rural community that does not have access to a reliable water supply system.
- Community Participation: The community must agree to participate in the implementation and management of the water supply system. This involves sharing the cost and responsibility for maintaining the infrastructure.
- Gram Panchayat Involvement: The application and management of the scheme should be done through the local Gram Panchayat or Village Water and Sanitation Committee (VWSC).
- No Existing Water Supply: Priority is given to villages and areas where there is no existing water supply infrastructure.
- Willingness to Share Costs: The community must be willing to contribute a portion of the cost of constructing the water supply system. This contribution can be made in cash, labor, or materials.
Documents Required for Swajaldhara Scheme
To apply for the Swajaldhara Scheme in West Bengal, you will need the following documents:
- Aadhar Card: As proof of identity for the applicants.
- Address Proof: Documents such as a Ration Card or Voter ID to confirm the residency of the applicant in a rural area.
- Gram Panchayat NOC: A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local Gram Panchayat or VWSC is required to show that the community supports the implementation of the water supply system.
- Income Certificate: In some cases, an income certificate might be needed to ensure that the applicant belongs to an economically weaker section.
- Bank Account Details: The bank account details of the applicant to facilitate any financial transactions related to the scheme.
- Land Ownership Proof (if applicable): If the water supply system requires the use of land, proof of land ownership or consent from the landowner is required.
Swajaldhara Scheme in West Bengal Apply Online
Applying for the Swajaldhara Scheme online is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the official website of the Ministry of Jal Shakti or the West Bengal Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Department. The website provides all the information and application forms needed to apply for the scheme.
- Register: If you are applying for the first time, you need to create an account on the portal. Provide your basic details such as your name, mobile number, and Aadhar number to register.
- Fill in the Application Form: Once registered, you can fill out the application form. Provide details like:
- Name of the applicant
- Community details
- Address and contact information
- Water requirements for the village
- Upload the Required Documents: Upload scanned copies of the documents mentioned above, including your Aadhar card, income certificate, and NOC from the Gram Panchayat.
- Submit the Application: After filling in the details and uploading the documents, review the application form. Once you are sure that all the information is correct, submit the application form.
- Acknowledgement Receipt: After submission, you will receive an acknowledgement receipt or a reference number. This will be needed to track the status of your application.
Checking Application Status
After applying for the Swajaldhara Scheme, you can check the status of your application online. Here’s how you can do it:
- Visit the Official Website: Go back to the website where you applied.
- Click on Application Status: On the homepage, look for the option to check the status of your application.
- Enter Reference Number: Use the reference number provided during submission to check the status.
- View Status: The current status of your application, such as approval, pending, or rejection, will be displayed on the screen. You can also receive updates regarding fund allocation and project completion.
Conclusion
The Swajaldhara Scheme is a significant step toward providing clean and safe drinking water to rural areas in West Bengal. By involving the community in managing water supply systems, the scheme ensures sustainability and better utilization of resources. With simple eligibility criteria and a focus on improving health and sanitation, the Swajaldhara Scheme has proven to be beneficial for rural households.
Applying for the scheme is easy and can be done online, making it accessible to more people. The combination of government support and community participation makes this scheme a successful model for rural water supply management. Whether you are looking to apply for the first time or checking your application status, the process is straightforward and user-friendly.