G.O. (Ms.) No. 87, Guidelines for implementation of Self Sufficiency Scheme 2018-19

Scope and funding

The Self Sufficiency Scheme encourages individuals, groups, institutions, companies and communities to help create and maintain community infrastructure. Government Order (Ms.) No. 87 of the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (S.G.S-1) Department applies to rural and urban areas during 2018-2019.

The Government granted administrative sanction for Rs.50 crore and released Rs.25 crore. The Director of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj may distribute the funds to districts and must report implementation progress to the Government.

How works are proposed and selected

The Self Sufficiency Scheme uses public contributions together with Government funding.

• A proposal may originate from an individual, group, institution, public or private company, or the community.
• An application must be submitted to the District Collector with consent to contribute at least one-third of the estimated cost.
• The District Collector must assess the need and feasibility and obtain a detailed estimate from the implementing agency.
• The applicant must deposit the prescribed contribution by Demand Draft with the District Collector or Project Director, District Rural Development Agency.
• Contributions from local bodies and universities are not accepted.
• Required permission and maintenance concurrence must be obtained from the relevant local body or department.
• Where funds are limited, works providing the greatest community benefit receive priority.

Permitted community works

The guidelines permit works including:

• Buildings and facilities for Government schools, colleges, hostels, hospitals, health centres, veterinary facilities and libraries.
• Community buildings, drinking water supply, roads, bridges, culverts, parks, playgrounds and sanitary complexes.
• Noon Meal Centres, Anganwadis, school kitchens and Public Distribution Shops.
• Solid and liquid waste management, environmental hygiene, solar lighting and reverse osmosis drinking water plants.
• Furniture, computers and accessories for specified Government institutions and public-use buildings. Old computers and accessories cannot be purchased.

Property and ownership conditions

The Self Sufficiency Scheme does not allow a permanent structure to be built without the property owner's prior permission. A contributor cannot claim ownership, use, lease or maintenance rights over the property. A contributor's name may appear on a board with the District Collector's prior permission, but the scheme name must occupy at least two-thirds of the board.

Prohibited works

The scheme generally excludes land acquisition or compensation, private or family assets, recurring expenditure, commercial establishments, reimbursement for completed or partly completed works, and works within places of worship or on land owned by religious groups. Desilting is generally prohibited, subject to stated exceptions for certain Public Works Department tanks and water supply tanks controlled by Municipalities and Town Panchayats.