Community Based Financing Mechanism for Rural Water Supply in Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Community-based maintenance of common facilities, especially rural drinking water supply, has been a fascinating idea for more than a decade now. The Panchayati Raj Act in various states made legal way for this to take place in Indian villages. This study has made an attempt to ascertain the viability of the financing mechanism instituted, and adequacy of funds generated for sustainable financing of community-based Operation and Maintenance system in water service delivery. The study reveals that community financing of rural water supply still remains a challenge. Yet, it seems, all it will take is-at the Panchayat level-political will and manoeuvring skills.