G.O. (Ms) No.65, Self Sufficiency Scheme 2015-2016

What the government approved

G.O. (Ms) No. 65, dated 24 April 2015, of the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (S.G.S-1) Department gives administrative sanction of Rs. 100.00 crore for the Self Sufficiency Scheme during 2015-2016. It also sanctions Rs. 21.25 crore as the first instalment and authorises the Director of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj to distribute that amount to districts and report progress.

The Self Sufficiency Scheme applies in both rural and urban areas. Its purpose is to create and maintain community infrastructure through public participation and government funding.

Who can propose a project

A need for work under the Self Sufficiency Scheme may be raised by individuals, groups, institutions, public or private companies, or the community. An application identifying the proposed work, giving consent and committing the public contribution must be submitted to the District Collector.

Key requirements include:

• The minimum public contribution is one-third of the estimated cost.
• Contributions from local bodies and universities are not accepted.
• The District Collector must examine the need and feasibility of the work.
• The implementing agency prepares the detailed estimate.
• The applicant deposits the required amount by Demand Draft with the District Collector or the Project Director, District Rural Development Agency.
• Where funds are limited, priority is given to works providing the greatest community benefit.

Permitted community works

The 2015-2016 guidelines allow projects including:

• Buildings, toilets, laboratories and other facilities for government schools, colleges and hostels.
• Facilities for government hospitals, health centres, veterinary institutions, libraries, burial grounds, Anganwadis and public distribution shops.
• Drinking water systems, roads, bridges, culverts, street improvements and community buildings.
• Sanitary complexes, waste management works and maintenance of community assets.
• Parks, playgrounds, street lights, solar lights and reverse osmosis drinking water plants.
• Furniture, new computers and accessories for specified government or public-use buildings.

Property rights and permissions

The Self Sufficiency Scheme does not give a contributor any ownership, lease or use right over the property. No permanent structure may be built without the property owner's prior permission.

The District Collector must obtain any required permission from the local body or department concerned before administrative sanction. Where a local body or department will maintain the completed asset, its concurrence must also be obtained. A contributor may display a name on a board only with the District Collector's prior permission and subject to the scheme's display conditions.