- th Finance Commission has recommended Rs. 26,057 crore in the form of Million-Plus cities Challenge Fund (MCF) for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26 for meeting service level benchmarks to 50 ‘one million-plus population agglomeration/cities’. The grant is subject to performance of the these cities in solid waste management, quality water supply, water conservation, water recycling and rejuvenation of water bodies. However, funds specifically for water conservation are not earmarked. Allocation for financial year 2021-22 is Rs. 4,761 crore. Further allocation is subject to furnishing of utilisation certificate and detailed report on the measures/project undertaken for recycling/reuse of waste water. Impact in these cities with regard to conservation of water is yet to be analysed.
This Information was given by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Bishweswar Tudu in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.