1. The norms may be relaxed after the coverage of all Not Covered (NC) / Partially Covered (PC) rural habitations in that State is achieved, as per the existing norms of 40 liters per capita per day. This relaxation may be subject to the condition that beneficiaries of the relaxed norms are willing to share a part of the capital cost (which should not be less than 10 %) and shoulder full responsibilities for subsequent Operation and Maintenance.

2. In case, however, of schemes in quality affected villages or in multi-village schemes where the capital cost is very high, the schemes could be executed and implemented by the Government Departments, and water is supplied to individual villages at the periphery of each village. For drinking water distribution within the village, the beneficiaries would share a part of the capital cost (which should not be less than 10 % ) and shoulder full responsibilities for subsequent Operation and Maintenance of the village water distribution network, while Government Department/Board would maintain the main water supply system up to the village. Governments/Board may also charge water rates to the Panchayats/Village communities for bulk supply of water for drinking purpose. Such water charges and the village operation and maintenance cost would be fully met by the users/ beneficiaries.