1. The Embassy of Japan in India, under its scheme ‘Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects’, today decided to extend grant assistance totaling US$ 78,511 (approximately equivalent to Rs. 35 lacs) to Gram Chetna Kendra, to support a water project undertaken by it. The following NGO and project is receiving the Grant:

(i) Gram Chetna Kendra was established in 1989 for the socio-economic development of the rural poor in Sambhar Lake Block, Jaipur District, in Rajasthan. The targeted villages have acute shortage of water, especially safe and clean drinking water. The organisation is planning a project to install 50 hand pumps in the selected areas, which will meet the basic need of clean drinking water for the underprivileged villagers. This project would benefit the underprivileged people belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes, especially the women and children, who have to travel long distances to fetch drinking water. Therefore, they can spend the time saved for their work or education to better their lives.
     Realizing the need, the Embassy of Japan decided to give a grant assistance of US$ 78,511 for the project. With this project, around 10,000 families in the targeted area will be able to get safe and clean water.

2. The Signing Ceremony to formalize the arrangements is scheduled to take place at 1500 hrs., on Wednesday, November 8, 2006, at the Embassy of Japan, between H.E. Mr. Yasukuni Enoki, Ambassador of Japan, and the representatives of the above NGO.

3. The scheme of ‘Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects’ was introduced by the Government of Japan in 1989, to provide timely assistance directly to the activities of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) promoting welfare of the people in developing countries. Projects eligible for the grant assistance include such fields as primary healthcare, primary education, care of the handicapped people, poverty alleviation, enhancing status of women, public welfare, environment protection, etc. The Embassy of Japan and the Consulates General of Japan in Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai are in charge of this scheme in their respective regions.

4. For further information, please contact Mr. Yasushi Furukawa, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan. Telephone No.2687-6564.