Identification of Service Performance Indicators and Development of Service Performance Index for Checking Sustainability of Regional Rural Water Supply Schemes in Indian context

The concept of monitoring and evaluating the performance and sustainability of rural water supply system was considered hypothetical in past as every matter related to water supply was the liability of state government in most developing nations. However, in 21st century, the state of affairs is pole apart, the accountability has come on elected committees and therefore, the assessment of service performance is considered as need of the time. Further, the performance and design of any rural water supply scheme in India is severely affected due to several factors such as involvement of large and scattered population, non-uniformity in level of awareness, socio-economic conditions, education, poverty, practices and rituals and water availability, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to identify and develop Performance Indicators (PI’s) and an Index, which help to judge the sustainability of any water supply scheme in the region. A case study comprising of several regional rural water supply schemes of Gujarat was undertaken based on specific criteria. Identified Performance Indicators can be used to judge the service (technical) performance and sustainability of any water supply scheme. A method of assessment is also developed to find out the overall service performance of any water supply scheme by assigning weights and importance factor to various PI’s.