The Planning Commission has allocated 36,000 crore rupees for the 12th Five Year Plan, up from 7800 Crore in the previous Plan to give a big boost to sanitation in the rural areas. Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh, who is also in-charge of the Ministry for Drinking Water and Sanitation, said the Planning Commission's decision reflects the priority UPA government places on sanitation in rural India. Noting that 60 per cent of open defecation in the world

are in India the minister said that it is a matter of continuing anguish and shame for all citizens. Mr. Ramesh said the government has vowed to achieve total sanitation in the country in the next 10 years.

He was briefing the media after the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today gave the nod for more than doubling the amount for construction of individual household latrines from
existing 4600 to nearly 10,000 rupees and also scrapped the distinction of BPL/APL families to achieve total sanitation target in 10 years. Mr. Ramesh said, the total sanitation campaign will now be known as Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan.

At present, out of 3400 allocated for individual toilets, the Centre gives Rs 2100, each state's share is Rs
1000 and Rs 300 comes from the beneficiaries, while 1200 is

leveraged through MGNREGA works as was approved last year.

After the cabinet approval today, the Centre has to dole out 3200, the state Rs 1400 and families have to provide 900 while MGNREGA funds will be to the tune of Rs 4500.