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A.P. Farmers Organisation Rules, 1997

Published vide Notification No. G.O.Ms.No.541, Irrigation & Command Area Development (CAD.IV) Department, dated 27.12.2018

Last Updated 12th June, 2018 [ap293]

(i) "Act" means the Andhra Pradesh Farmers Management of Irrigation Systems Act, 1997.

(ii) "Farmers Organisation" means water users association at the primary level, Distributory Committee at the secondary level and project committee at the project level.

[(iii) "Commissioner" means an officer appointed by the Government as Commissioner, Command Area Development Authority.]

(i) with due regard to the rights of members shall function in [a] democratic manner through consensus respecting the rights and duties of all members;

(ii) to make their organization a viable, vibrant, and functioning entity;

[(iii) To assist the Water Resources Department in effective Water management with the objective of equitable distribution of water in the entire command with special focus on supplying water to farmers at the tail end areas;

(v) To motivate all the stake holders for achieving the objectives of Participatory Irrigation Management;]

(vi) to work in close coordination with Government departments and its agencies;

(vii) to strive for sustainable water resources management and development;

(viii) to ensure in dissemination of information;

(ix) to build up a reliable database;

(x) in areas of high water requirement like cropped areas, effective soil and water conservation techniques should be adopted with the guidance of departmental agencies;

(xi) sustainable and effective land use system should be followed;

(xii) implementation of agro-forest ecosystem wherever water erosion is a serious threat;

(xiii) adoption of integrated watershed management system and integrated balanced nutrient management system;

(xiv) to ensure that hydraulic structures are preserved and protected, without any modification unless otherwise approved by an authority vested with such powers;

(xv) to work towards maintaining and sustaining an ecological balance and prevent degradation of the environment particularly soils and quality of water;

(xvi) to strive towards becoming sustainable institution through a process of capacity building, skill up gradation and recovery of costs, wherever necessary; and xvii) to optimize productivity and production consistent with the availability of water supplies.

Rights of Farmers Organisation

(i) to obtain information in time about water availability, opening / closing of main canal, periods of supply and quantity of supply, closure of canals etc.;

[(ii) To assist the Water Resources Department for distribution among the water users on agreed terms of equity and social justice;]

(iii) to receive water according to an approved time schedule;

(iv) to allocate water to non-members;

(v) to levy separate fees for maintenance of the system;

(vi) to levy any other fee or service charges, to meet management costs and any other expenses;

(vii) to utilize the canal bunds as long as such use is not obstructive, or destructive to hydraulic structures - by planting timber, fuel, or fruit trees or grass for augmenting the income of the Farmers Organisation;

(viii) to obtain the latest information about new crop varieties, and their pattern, package of practices, weed control, etc., for agriculture extension service, and purchase inputs such as seeds, fertilizers and pesticides; for use of its members;

(ix) to have full freedom to grow any crop other than those expressly prohibited by a law and adjust crop areas within the total water allocated without causing injury to neighboring lands;

(x) to participate in planning, and designing of micro-system;

(xi) To suggest improvements / modifications in the layout of Field Channels/Field Drains to supply water to all the farmers in the command; and

(xii) to plan and promote use of the ground water.

Responsibility of The Farmers Organisation

(i) to prepare the schedules of water deliveries and communicate to the concerned;

(ii) to organize preparation of crop plan to match water deliveries with crop requirements;

(iii) to supply water to all members in the command area as per the approved terms;

(iv) to carry out timely maintenance and repairs to the distributory system including drains and other properties;

(v) to organize repairs of the system by the farmers free of cost or on payment;

(vi) to avoid and prevent misuse and wastage of water;

(vii) to use water economically and judiciously and furnish data, to the Water Resources Department on water use, irrigated area, irrigation efficiency, and crop yields;

(viii) to inspect water utilisation by the farmers in the command; assess irrigated crop areas and collect data on crop yields;

(ix) to impose and recover penalties or fines for misuse and wastage of water and tampering or damaging with the irrigation network controls, sluices, outlets etc., as per the provision of the Act;

(x) to educate farmers on preparing fields and adopting modern methods of field irrigation, such as borders, furrows, graded bunding for all round efficiency;

(xi) to educate farmers on new crop varieties, packages of practices, pesticides, weedicides, etc.;

(xii) to procure and hire implements and gadgets for agricultural operation where feasible and needed.;

(xiii) to improve the system for efficient and economical use of available / allocated water, for efficient production of crops; and

(xiv) to minimize conveyance and operational losses.

Rights of Member Users

(i) to suggest improvements/ modifications in water deliveries;

(ii) to get information relating to water availabilities, allocations, opening /closing of canals and outlets, period of supply, frequency, etc.;

(iii) to receive water as per specified quota for use;

(iv) to have the freedom of growing any crop, other than those prohibited by law, adjusting the areas within the water allocated and without causing adverse effect to the crops of other farmers;

(v) to sell or transfer the water share to any other water user within the operational area of water users association;

(vi) to participate in the General body meeting and receive annual reports; and;

(vii) to receive equitable benefits from the activities of the organization;

Responsibility of Member Users

(i) to maintain the micro-level system particularly the turn outs, field channels, structures, and field drains;

(ii) to be aware of the rules of operation of water supply framed by the Farmers Organisation for each season;

(iii) to adhere to the water delivery schedules;

(iv) not to tamper with the system by breaching, cross bunding, damaging the structure in the minor or field channel;

(v) to close the turnout fully after the allotted turn or time is over;

(vi) to conserve water and make judicious use of the irrigation supply;

(vii) to divert water if not required during the turn or time allotted, so as not to damage other farmers field;

(viii) to follow proper irrigation methods like borders, furrows, check basins etc.;

(ix) to get the lands leveled /shaped for efficient utilization of land and water and to prevent deep percolations leading to water logging and salinity in the downstream areas;

(x) to-pay the irrigation fees, water tax and service charges regularly and in time;

(xi) to avoid misuse/wastage of water, taking water out of turn, taking more time than allotted;

(xii) to avoid trampling of Field Channels/ Field Drains, by crossing at unauthorised points by men and cattle;

(xiii) to maintain Field Channels/Field Drains in the reaches specified by the Water User Association, or contribute to labour /cost for maintenance, whenever required;

(xiv) to permit inspection of :

(a) irrigated area;

(b) measurement of irrigated area;

(c) observation of water levels in dug wells/ bores/ tube wells;

(d) crop - cutting experiments for assessing productivity / production; and

(xv) to respect easementary rights and other customary practices in vogue in the system.

(ii) The General Body shall be assisted by the Competent Authorities as notified under Section 21 of the Act. The Competent Authority (Engineering) shall have the right to attend the meeting and record his views, but shall have no right to vote.

(ii) The General Body may also be called at any time by the President or Managing Committee members through a majority resolution or by Members of the Organisation through a requisition signed by not less than 1/3rd of the Members with voting rights.

(iii) A General Body meeting shall be held on receipt of a direction to do so from the Government or from the Commissioner, or by the next higher tier of the Farmers Organisation in respect of matters relating to urgent public importance and for any specific purpose.

(ii) Notice for the General Body meeting shall be sent at least 7 days in advance of the date of the meeting along with the Agenda. Notice may be sent by hand/ post / publication /beat of tom-tom and display on the notice board of the Organization.

(ii) If there is no quorum for the meeting, the meeting shall be adjourned and be convened again at a date and time not later than two days of the first/original meeting;

(iii) For the adjourned General Body Meeting, no quorum is required and resolutions would be carried by a majority of the members present and voting; and iv) At a requisitioned General Body Meeting, the items specified in the agenda alone will be discussed. No other subjects will be discussed without the express permission of the Chairman/President or the majority decision of the members present in the meeting.

Powers and Functions of General Body of Farmers Organisation

[(ia) to identify their Representatives by convening meetings as per the directions of the Government (or) Commissioner.]

(ii) to approve the Operational Plan for each crop season and review its implementation in the area of operation;

(iii) to allocate water amongst various main canals distributaries /minors/outlets, according to the operational plan approved;

(iv) to decide on the manner of regulation and distribution of water;

(v) to prepare annual and long-term financial and works plans and prioritize works for maintenance/repairs/ upkeep, rehabilitation of the irrigation system as per the directions of the Government (or) Commissioner;

(vi) to approve annual financial budget and review performance of the previous year budget;

(vii) to appoint auditors for the annual audit and/or concurrent audit and to fix fees for the same;

(viii) to set up sub-committees of Members for various activities and functions of the Organisation;

(ix) to create or/setup such fund as may be required for different activities/works;

(x) to levy a fees as defined under Section 20 of the Act;

(xi) to decide on permissible administrative expenses within the ceilings prescribed, from time to time by the Government (or) Commissioner; and

(xii) to carry out the recall proceedings as per Section 10 of the Act.

Note. - The Sub-Rule No:9 is omitted earlier as per G.O.Ms.No.53, Dt:11-4-2008 and

Sub-Rule 11 is now omitted (in view of omission of section 22 (iii) of Act and also due to newly adding of one more sub-Rule as sl.No.1. Hence, the Sl.Nos are corrected accordingly.

Composition and Functions of Managing Committee

(i) [The Managing Committee in respect of Farmers Organisations shall comprise of (i) the President, Vice-President and the members of Territorial Constituencies in respect of Water Users Association as specified in sub-section (1) of Section 4 of the Act; (ii) the President and Vice-President and Members in respect of Distributory Committee as specified in sub-section (1) of Section (6) of the Act; and (iii) the Chairman and Vice-Chairman and members in respect of Project Committee as specified in sub-section (1) of Section 8 of the Act.;]

(ii) The Meetings of the Managing Committee shall be held at least once in every month at the office of the Organization. The meeting may however, be held more frequently if it so required. A meeting requisitioned, shall be held within 7 days of the receipt of requisition for such a meeting by the Chairman/President;

(iii) Notice for the meeting shall be sent by hand/post/ delivery or published on the Notice Board;

(iv) The Chairman / President shall preside over the meetings of the Managing Committee.

(v) Every proceedings of the Managing Committee shall be recorded in the minutes book maintained for the purpose, by the person chairing the meeting. A copy of the minutes shall be sent to the authority of the next higher tier and to the concerned Executive Engineer in respect of Water Users Associations in Minor Irrigation Systems;

(vi) The quorum for the meeting shall be 1/3rd of the members. All resolutions shall be carried by a majority of the members present and voting; and

(vii) If there is no quorum for the meeting, the meeting shall be adjourned to a date and time not later than three days and be convened again. For an adjourned meeting no quorum is required.

Co-Option of Members

(iii) Managing Committee of Medium Irrigation Project Committee: All the Mandal Presidents, Members of Legislative Assembly, [Members of Legislative Counsel], and Members of Parliament in the area of Operation of Medium Project shall be nominated to the Managing Committee of the Project committee. The nomination shall be made by the District Collector.

(iv) Managing Committee of Major Irrigation Project Committee: all the Members of Legislative assembly, [Members of Legislative Counsel], Members of Parliament and ZillaParishad Chairpersons in the area of operation of Major Project shall be nominated to the Mangaing Committee of the Project committee. The nomination shall be made by the Government.

Note. - 1. The members co-opted to the Managing Committee of Farmers Organisations shall not have any voting right.

2. While nominating the Rajya sabha members, and Members of Legislative Counsel, the criteria of name of the individual in the voters list of General elections is to be considered for co-option.]

Powers and Functions of The Managing Committee

(ii) to prepare and implement Kharif and Rabi plans for various crops to be grown;

(iii) to prepare budget and allocate resources for various activities;

(iv) to prepare and implement annual and long term plans for repairs , maintenance, rehabilitation for development of the irrigation and drainage systems and to accord administrative sanction as per the orders given by the Government from time to time and taking up works as per availability of resources on priority;

(v) to prepare or cause to be prepared annual accounts of incomes and expenditures, and assets and liabilities;

(vi) to ensure equitable distribution of water among various water users;

(vii) to evolve and implement systems of regulation control, monitoring and reporting of water use and land use;

(viii) to recommend appointment of auditors for annual audit or concurrent audit to General Body;

(ix) to organize execution of works as per Orders issued by the Government (or) Commissioner from time to time;

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(xi) to settle disputes amongst the members;

(xii) to nominate one of its members to operate the funds of the organization when the post of President (or) Vice-President falls vacant.

(xiii) to provide developmental services to the Members related to irrigation and agriculture;

(xiv) to take up training programme for members;

(xv) to prepare annual list of all Water Users and Members with voting rights;

(xvi) to assist the Revenue, Water Resources and Agriculture Departments in the preparation and Maintenance of basic records;

(xvii) to maintain and operate a Reserve fund as per directions of the Government (or) Commissioner;

(xviii) to scrutinize the audit reports and rectify defects and report to the General Body;

(xix) to carry out and implement all decisions of the General Body; and

(xx) to establish a management information system and submit periodical report as may be prescribed by Government.

Duties of Chairman / President

(ii) to sign and authenticate the minutes of the meetings and also other records of the Farmers Organisation as may be required;

(iii) to have only a casting vote in the event of equality of votes on any matter being decided upon by the General Body or the Managing Committee, as the case may be;

(iv) to be the custodian of all records, properties of the Farmers Organisation;

(v) render full and complete accounts of all transactions of the Farmers Organisation;

(vi) to sign all contracts and documents on behalf of the Farmers Organisation;

(vii) to have powers to operate the accounts of Farmers Organisation jointly with Vice-Chairman / Vice-President;

(viii) to represent the case of the Farmers Organisation in any dispute before Distributory Committee or Project Committee or Apex committee or the Government, as the case may be;

(ix) to be an authorized representative of the Farmers Organisation at all other forums, meetings called by any authority;

(x) to be accountable for all transactions;

(xi) to conduct the affairs of the Farmers Organisation in a democratic, free, fair and transparent manner; and

Note. - In view of omission of Sub-Rule 10, the sl.nos of next sub-rules are changed and arranged in sequence order xii) to submit annual reports to the General Body on the activities of the Farmers Organisation.

Duties of Vice-Chairman and Vice-President

(ii) to sign and authenticate the minutes of meeting where Vice Chairman / Vice President presides over the meeting as in Sub-Rule (1);

(iii) to be the joint account holder along with the Chairman / President provided that, in case of difference of opinion in the matter of signing the cheques, the matter shall be placed before the Managing Committee, whose decision shall be final;

(iv) to be the convener of water management sub-committee;

(v) To carry out all the functions of the water management sub-committee and such other decisions of General Body and Managing Committee on water regulation and schedule of water release.

Resignations

(ii) The President and Vice President of Distributory Committee of a Major Irrigation system may resign his office by tendering resignation in writing to the Chief Engineer concerned directly in person or through registered post with acknowledgement due.

(iii) Any Chairman / Vice Chairman of a Project Committee of Major/ Medium Irrigation system may resign his/ her office by tendering resignation in writing to the Commissioner directly in person or through Registered post with acknowledgement due.

(iv) The Authority accepting the resignation shall cause to enquire through the concerned Competent Authority of the Farmers Organisation whether the person resigning has

(a) any dues to the Farmers Organisation;

(b) indulged in any financial irregularities;

(c) abused his power during his incumbency; and

(d) misappropriated the assets of Farmers Organisation.

(v) Any resignation shall be accepted within 30 calendar days including the day of receipt of letter of resignation and day of acceptance of resignation and such order of acceptance of resignation shall be served to the person resigned in writing and acknowledgement obtained for taking necessary action.

Filling Up of Vacancies

(i) President

(a) In the event of a vacancy of President in a Water Users Association, the Vice-President of that Water Users Association shall discharge the functions of the President from the date of occurrence of such vacancy, till the vacancy is filled in by election.

(b) In Major Irrigation Projects, the Vice-President so discharging the functions of President is eligible to represent his Water Users Association in the Distributory Committee. However, he is not eligible to contest for the post of the President or the Vice-President of the Distributory Committee.

(c) In a Medium Irrigation Project, the Vice- President so discharging the functions of President is eligible to represent his Water Users Association in the Project Committee of that Medium Irrigation Project. However he is not eligible to contest for the post of a Chairman or Vice-Chairman in the Project Committee.

(d) The Vice-President discharging the functions of the President shall maintain the Bank account jointly with another Managing Committee member nominated by the Managing Committee for the purpose, till the vacancy of the President is filled in by election.

(ii) Vice-President.

(a) To fill in a vacancy of post of Vice-President in a Water Users Association, the President shall convene a special meeting of the managing committee which shall nominate the Vice-President from among the members of the Managing Committee, in the presence of Competent Authority (Engineering) with in fifteen days from the date of occurrence of such vacancy. Vice-President shall be nominated from upper reach if the President is from lower reach and vice versa.

(b) The Vice-President so elected in the casual vacancy, shall continue in the office till the vacancy of Vice-President is filled in by elections.

(iii) Territorial Constituency member

(a) To fill a vacancy of a Territorial constituency member, the President shall convene a special meeting of the managing committee which shall nominate a water user who is a voter in that territorial constituency, to act as member of managing committee, within 15 days from the date of occurrence of such vacancy. However, such person is not eligible for election for the post of President or Vice President in Water Users Association during the period of such transitional arrangements.

(b) The nominated member continues to hold the post only till a member of the territorial constituency is selected in the manner prescribed, in the causal vacancy.

(iv) Convening Special Meeting. - The President shall convene a Special Meeting of the Managing Committee within 15 days from the date of occurrence of vacancy of Vice-President or member of territorial constituency for filling up of any causal vacancy.

(i) President

(a) In the event of vacancy of a president in a Distributory Committee, the Vice- President of the Distributory Committee shall discharge the functions of the President from the date of occurrence of such vacancy till the vacancy is filled in by election.

(b) The Vice-President discharging the functions of President is eligible to represent his Distributory Committee in the Project Committee. However he is not eligible to contest for the post of Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Project Committee.

(c) The Vice-President who is also discharging the functions of the President shall maintain the Bank Account jointly with another Managing Committee member nominated by the Managing Committee for the purpose till the vacancy of the President is filled in by election.

(ii) Vice President

(a) To fill the vacancy of the post of Vice-President in a Distributory Committee, the President shall convene the meeting of the managing committee which shall nominate the Vice-President from among the members of the managing committee in the presence of the Competent Authority (Engineering) within the fifteen days from the date of occurrence of such vacancy.

(b) The Vice-President so elected shall continue in the office till the vacancy of Vice - President is filled in by elections.

(iii) Convening Special Meeting. - Convening of Special meeting within 15 days from the date of occurrence of vacancy of Vice-President, shall be the personal responsibility of the President.

(i) Chairman

(a) In the event of vacancy of a Chairman in a Project committee, the Vice-Chairman of that Project Committee shall discharge the functions of the Chairman from the date of occurrence of such vacancy till the vacancy is filled in by election.

(b) The Vice-Chairman discharging the functions of the Chairman shall maintain the Bank Account jointly with another Managing Committee member nominated by the Managing Committee for the purpose till the vacancy of the Chairman is filled in by election.

(ii) Vice Chairman

(a) To fill the vacancy of the post of Vice-Chairman in a Project committee, the Chairman shall convene a special meeting of the managing committee which shall nominate the Vice-Chairman from among the members of the managing committee in the presence of the Competent Authority (Engineering) within fifteen days from the date of occurrence of such vacancy.

(b) The Vice-Chairman so elected shall continue in the office till the vacancy of Vice - Chairman filled in by election.

(iii) Convening Special Meeting. - Convening of Special meeting within 15 days from the date of occurrence of vacancy of Vice-Chairman, shall be the personal responsibility of the Chairman.

Settlement of Disputes

(a) Any dispute or difference arising between Water users in a Water Users Association shall be determined by the managing committee of Water Users Association concerned.

(b) Any dispute or difference arising between water users and the managing committee of a water User Association or between two or more Water Users Associations shall be determined by the managing committee or Distributory Committee.

(c) Any dispute or difference arising between two or more Distributory Committees shall be determined by the Managing Committee of Project Committee.

(d) Any dispute or differences arising between two or more Project Committees shall be determined by the Apex Committee, whose decision shall be final.

(a) Any dispute or difference arising between Water users in a Water Users Association shall be determined by the managing committee of the Water Users Associations. Any dispute or difference arising between water users and the Managing Committee of Water Users Association or between two or more Water Users Associations shall be determined by the project committee.

(b) Any dispute or differences arising between two or more Project Committees shall be determined by the Apex Committee, whose decision shall be final. The Executive Engineer and Superintending Engineer will be the authorities for settlement of disputes in place of Project Committee and Apex Committee respectively when these bodies are not functioning.

(a) Any such disputes or difference arising between in a Water Users Association shall be determined by the managing committee of that Water Users Associations concerned.

(b) Any such disputes or difference arising between Water Users and the managing committee of Water Users Association or between two or more Water Users Associations shall be determined by the Executive Engineer concerned.

Appeals

(a) Any party to a dispute or difference aggrieved by the decision made or order passed by the managing committee of a Water Users Association may appeal to the managing committee of the Distributory Committee, whose decision thereon shall be final.

(b) Any party to a dispute or difference aggrieved by the decision made or order passed by the managing committee of a Distributory Committee may appeal to a Project committee whose decision thereon shall be final.

(c) Any party to a dispute or difference aggrieved by the decision made or order passed by the managing committee of a Project Committee may appeal to the Apex Committee whose decision thereon shall be final.

(a) Any party to a dispute or difference aggrieved by the decision made or order passed by the managing committee of a Water Users Association may appeal to the managing committee of the Project Committee, whose decision thereon shall be final.

(b) Any party to a dispute or difference aggrieved by the decision made or order passed by the managing committee of a Project Committee may appeal to the Apex Committee, whose decision thereon shall be final.

(a) Any party to a dispute or difference aggrieved by the decision made or order passed by the managing committee of a Water Users Association may appeal to the Executive Engineer Concerned, whose decision thereon shall be final.

(b) Any party to a dispute or difference aggrieved by the decision made or order passed by the Executive Engineer may appeal to the Superintending Engineer concerned, whose decision thereon shall be final.

Inspection of Records

(a) The Competent Authority shall be the inspecting authority for any Water Users Association in his jurisdiction.

(b) The inspecting authority shall have access to all records, to be maintained by the Water Users Association and shall affix his signature and date on the records and registers with his remarks, upon inspection.

(c) Any misappropriation of funds or misuse of power noticed shall be brought to the notice of the Superintending Engineer concerned who shall take further action in accordance with the provisions of the Act and the Rules.

(a) The Competent Authority shall be the inspecting authority for any Distributory Committee in his jurisdiction.

(b) The inspecting authority shall have the access to all records to be maintained by Distributory Committee and shall affix his signature and date on the records and register with his remarks, upon inspection.

(c) Any misappropriation of funds, or misuse of power noticed, shall be brought to the notice of the Chief Engineer who shall take further action in accordance with the provisions of the Act and the Rules.

(a) The competent authority shall be the inspecting authority for any Project committee in his jurisdiction.

(b) The inspecting authority shall have the access to all records to be maintained by Project Committee and shall affix his signature and date on the records and register with his remarks, upon inspection.

(c) Any misappropriation of funds, or misuse of power noticed, shall be brought to the notice of the Commissioner who shall take further action in accordance with the provisions of the Act and the Rules.

Authority To Remove Office Bearers of Farmers Organisation

(a) The Superintending Engineer concerned shall be the authority to issue directions for proper functioning of the Water Users Association and remove any member of territorial constituency or President or Vice President of any Water Users Association in his jurisdiction under Section 41A of the Act.

(b) The Chief Engineer concerned shall be the authority to issue directions for proper functioning of the Distributory Committee and remove any president or Vice President of Distributory Committee in his jurisdiction under Section 41A of the Act.

(c) The Commissioner shall be the authority to issue directions for proper functioning of Project Committee and remove any Chairman or Vice-Chairman of Project committee in his jurisdiction under Section 41A of the Act.

Note. - The authority mentioned above shall give a reasonable opportunity to the aggrieved party to represent their cases before they are removed from their posts.

(a) Any party aggrieved by any decision made or order passed by the Superintending Engineer under the rule may appeal to the District Collector concerned, whose decision thereon shall be final.

(b) Any party aggrieved by any decision made or order passed by the Chief Engineer under the rule may appeal to the Commissioner whose decision thereon shall be final.

(c) Any party aggrieved by any decision made or order passed by the Commissioner under the rule may appeal to the Government, whose decision thereon shall be final.

Transitional Arrangements

(a) Deputy Executive Engineer concerned shall be the authority to take over the charge of the Water Users Association with all records and exercise the powers and perform the functions of the Farmers Organisations till such time such Water Users Association is constituted or reconstituted.

(b) The Executive Engineer concerned shall be the authority to take over the charge of the Distributory Committee with all records and exercise the powers and perform the functions of the Farmers Organisations till such time, such Distributory Committee is constituted or reconstituted.

(c) The Superintending Engineer concerned shall be the authority to take over the charge of the Project committee with all records and exercise the powers and perform the function of the Farmers Organisations till such time the Project Committee is constituted or reconstituted.

Note. - The Superintending Engineer/ Executive Engineer / Deputy Executive Engineer who has taken over the Farmers Organisation shall be assisted by the subordinate staff under his Administrative / Technical Control.

Note. - 17(H) (1) omitted and 17(H) 2 may be read as 17 (H) 1

17 (H) 2 as per Amendment made to section 34 of act

17(H) 3 is newly added

Maintenance of Feeder Channels

(a) Desilting of feeder channels in sectioning.

(b) Removal of weed growth, trees and the like in the channel bed.

(c) Breach closing.

(d) Removal of encroachments with the help of local Revenue authorities,.

(e) Removal of mounds and maintaining bed slopes of feeder channels.

(f) All other measures required to insure adequate inflow in to the tank through the feeder channels.

Constitution and Functions of Sub-Committee

(i) The Convener of a Sub-Committee shall be a member of the Managing Committee other than the Chairman/ President;

(ii) In the case of a Project committee and their members of the subcommittee, not exceeding four will be selected from Presidents of Water Users Associations in that project;

(iii) In the case of Distributory Committee and their members of the subcommittee, not exceeding four shall be selected from the Territorial Constituencies of the water Users Associations either in the general body of the Distributory Committee or from its territorial constituencies within its jurisdiction. However, not more than one Territorial Constituency (TC), member of Water Users Association can be co-opted in that Sub-Committee;

(iv) In the case of Water Users Association the other members not exceeding four shall be drawn from out of members with voting rights, out of four one may be woman preferably; and

(v) No member shall represent more than one subcommittee.

(i) Finance and Resources sub-committee;

(ii) Works sub-commit tee;

(iii) Water Management sub-committee;

(iv) Monitoring-Evaluation and Training sub-committee;

Note. - After Rule 17, the Rules 17 A to 17 I are inserted as per G.O.Ms.No.53, dt:11-4-2008.

(i) Finance and Resource sub-committee

(a) to mobilize and collect resources;

(b) to ensure collection of dues from Members as levied under Section 20 of the Act;

(c) to recommend the Managing Committee on the use and deployment of resources; and

(d) to maintain records relating to financial matters.

(ii) Works sub-committee:

(a) to recommend estimates of works for administrative approval;.

(b) to supervise works and ensure quality control; and

(c) to approve payments for works.

(iii) Water Management sub-committee:

(a) to carry out the decisions of the Managing Committee and of the General Body on water regulation, schedule of water release;

(b) to organise patrolling of the canal, channels and regulate the use of water;

(c) to check the irrigation and drainage system regularly;

(d) to record the water deliveries;

(e) to report to the Managing Committee any violations in the use of water; and

(f) to maintain records of land owners and water users.

(g) the Vice-Chairman / Vice-President shall be the Convener of this Sub-Committee under Rule 17(A).

(iv) Monitoring-Evaluation and Training sub-committee:

(a) to identify training needs and organize training to the Water Users;

(b) to educate in optimum use of water;

(c) to monitor specific items like area irrigated, productivity, disputes settlement and resources building;

Procedure for Taking up Works

a. Desilting;

b. Weed removal;

c. Embankment repairs;

d. Revetment;

e. Repairs to shutters;

f. Repairs to masonry and lining;

g. Cleaning & Oiling of screw gearing shutters;

h. Painting of hoists and gates etc.;

i. Emergent breach closing works;

j. Maintenance of inspection paths;

k. Formation of cross bunds; and

l. Lifting of water by oil Engines / Generators.

a. Reconstruction of sluices;

b. Reconstruction / repairs to Drops & Regulators;

c. Reconstruction of measuring devices;

d. Rehabilitation of the system; and

a. Modernization of the system; and

b. A Farmers Organisation shall take up the normal Operation & Maintenance and deferred maintenance works i.e., regular works costing up to Rs. 5.00 lakhs or as per the limit prescribed by the Government from time to time and the works shall be executed by the Farmers Organisations under the supervision of the Water Resources Department at the rates not exceeding the estimated rates. The works costing above Rs. 5.00 lakhs or the limit prescribed by the Government are to be entrusted by the Department duly calling tenders.

(i) Prior to the commencement of every crop season (Kharif & Rabi) the Managing Committee and Competent Authority (Engg) of every Farmers Organisation shall undertake to assess the condition of the system (system diagnosis) through a participatory walk-through exercise.

(ii) The Farmers Organisation shall inspect each and every hydraulic structure and record its status.

(iii) They have to identify all the critical reaches which need immediate repair as listed out in above. The Competent Authority (Engg) shall assist the Farmers Organisation in preparation of detailed list of works to be undertaken.

6(i) The proposals for taking up various works under various categories required scrutiny of CAD committee for approval of the annual Action Plan for O & M and deferred maintenance in each of the project that would include tax re-plough, category B and other Capital and Revenue grant.

(ii) For the works taken up with the funds including government grants other than water tax plough back amounts and own resources, the administrative approval shall be as per the departmental rules in vogue.

(ii) The Competent Authority, shall record all the technical sanction in the register of technical sanction; and

(iii) The technical sanction shall not exceed the Administrative Approval.

(b) Under no circumstances can a Chairman/ President or Managing Committee Member of the Farmers Organisation execute a work directly in his individual capacity;

(c) The cost of works executed shall not exceed the estimated costs;

(d) The Competent Authority shall record the pre-measurements and final measurements for quantifying the work done for making payments by the Farmers Organisation. These measurements shall be check measured by higher authorities as per rules and procedure of Water Resources Department;

(e) The procedure adopted by the Competent Authority in preparation of estimates, bills etc., shall be subject to verification by higher officials as normally applicable to department;

(f) In exigencies, when any of the Farmers Organisation is not existing or function by any reason the normal Operation & Maintenance, Deferred Maintenance works i.e., regular works costing up to Rs 5.00 lakhs or the limit as prescribed by the Government from time to time in the jurisdiction of such Farmers Organisation shall also be taken up by the department duly following the rules and procedures in vogue;

(b) Along with the lists other particulars of works, estimates, values, and mode of execution should be given wide publicity, and

(c) If any member wishes to have access to any of the records relating to works to be taken up, he may do so on payment of the fee as fixed by the Farmers Organisation.

(ii) In case of special programmes or External Aided projects, the quality control checks shall be as prescribed from time to time.

Note. - Rule 19 ("Procedure for taking up works") is substituted as per the G.O.Ms.No.46, dt:23-2-2007 In sub-Rule 19 (1), k & l are added as per G.O.Ms.No.82, dt: 3-8-2016

The sub-rule 6(i) is added as per G.O.Ms.no.21, dt:5-3-2010

Social Audit of Farmers Organisation

(i) Social audit shall be for both water utilization against the water budgeting and expenditure incurred for maintenance of the system with reference to funds available to each of the Farmers Organisation.

(ii) The social audit shall cover;

(a) Equity in water distribution;

(b) Increase in production;

(c) Increase in productivity;

(d) Crop diversification;

(e) Multiple cropping;

(f) Water use efficiency;

(g) Utilization of resources for execution of works

(h) Improvement in the cultivated area of the Farmers Organisation compared to previous season; and

(i) Quality of works undertaken.

(iii) The social audit so conducted shall be made known to all the beneficiaries under the Farmers Organisation by way of displaying a list containing the benefits accrued with reference to funds spent on the notice board of the office of each of the Farmers Organisation.

(iv) Whenever a work is taken up the estimated cost of the work, item of work proposed to be executed, details of the executors of the work etc., are to be exhibited on a board at the place of the work; so that every beneficiary under the Farmers Organisation is aware of the details of the work being executed and expenditures to be incurred.

(v) The competent authority notified shall render all assistance in the conduct of the social audit. The Revenue and Agriculture Officials shall also render the requisite assistance.

(vi) The social audit so conducted shall be recorded and copy thereof be sent to the Distributory Committee in the case of water users Association, to the project committee in the case of Distributory Committee; to the Commissioner in the case of Project Committee.

(vii) The auditor shall incorporate the social audit report in his annual audit report together with his specific observations on rectification of defects, if any, noticed in the social audit.

Operational Plan and Water Budgeting

(i) One month before the onset of the Kharif season, the Project Committee shall, subject to such directions as may be given by government from time to time, work out the anticipated inflows and existing availability in the reservoir and work out the water allocation to all the Dist ributory Committees; the Distributory Committees intern shall allocate the water made available to water users association in its jurisdiction:

(ii) A Farmers Organisation in distributing water to its member constituents shall have regard to allocations meant for drinking waters, or for any specified purpose as may be decided by Government from time to time.

(iii) For the Rabi season, the Project Committee will determine the area to be thrown open for irrigation based upon the actual availability of water at the beginning of Rabi Season. The water so available shall be allocated equitably among the Distributory Committees and water users associations. In the case of medium or minor irrigation system, equitable distribution shall be achieved by adopting circular rotation over a period.

(iv) Each of the Farmers Organisation, shall draw up an operational plan which shall specify the quantity of water to be drawn on a fortnightly basis.

(v) The drawls of water shall be monitored each day at specified gauge points as decided by the Farmers Organisation.

(vi) Review of the drawls and distribution shall be done by each of the Farmers Organisation at the end of each fortnight and corrective measures taken.

(vii) At the end of each season the respective Farmers Organisation shall prepare a report of water received and utilized along with the area irrigated, quantity of water supplied and extent of crops.

(viii) Th e Farmers Organisation shall analyse the short comings and deviations in water budget and report to the next higher tier.

(ix) In respect of a minor irrigation system the water users association shall decide the operational plan, date of release of water which are to be thrown open for irrigation depending upon the storage/inflows into the system.

Water Regulation

(a) the dates of release and closure shall be informed to all members well in advance;

(b) equitable distribution of water amongst all users shall be the main principle in water regulation;

(c) a Farmers Organisation shall draw water and monitor flows based on the operational plan prepared;

(d) a Warabandi Schedule (Turn-Schedule) shall be prepared for each outlet in a Farmers Organisation;

(e) the Farmers Organisation shall, carryout Azmoish of the ayacut with the assistance of the Competent Authority along with the Agriculture and Revenue personnel; and

(f) a Farmers Organisation may, for the purpose of monitoring, install such devices as may be required within its jurisdiction.

(a) Cash book;

(b) Bill registers;

(c) Contingent registers;

(d) Anamath register (Day book);

(e) Receipt books; and

(f) Cheque registers.

Note. - 1 substituted as per G.O.Ms.no.53

Records to be Maintained

(a) The following Maps shall be maintained by each water users association; namely: -

(i) map showing the boundaries and jurisdiction of the Association, Water conveyance system, within the boundaries of the association;

(ii) map showing the localized/notified ayacut with S.Nos., (Form-AA) and

(iii) map showing the areas under irrigation not falling within notified ayacut.

(b) The following registers shall be maintained; namely:-

(1) Property Register:

(i) Inventory Register (Form -I)

(ii) Register of vacant lands and buildings (Form -II)

(iii) Register of income on miscellaneous property (Form-III)

(iv) Register of Machinery (Form-IV)

(2) Membership Register: Both with voting rights and without voting rights with details of ayacut Localized / Non-localized and area cultivated (Form-V)

(3) Water flow Register: Canal guage Register (Form-VI)

(4) Sanctions Register: Register of Administrative and Technical sanctions and payments (Form -VII)

(5) Cash Register: Cash Book (Form-VIII)

(6) Special fee and tax collection Register: (Form-IX)

(7) Minutes Register: (Form X and X.A)

(i) General Body

(ii) Managing Committee

(iii) Separate Register for Committees.

Note. - The sub-rule (b) of 24 is substituted as per G.O.Ms.No.21, dt:30-1-1999

(i) the purpose of levying a fee shall:

(a) to provide facilities or ;

(b) to provide specific services;

(c) to meet many urgent needs of the Farmers Organisation;

(d) to build up assets of the Farmers Organisation; and

(e) to improve the system.

(ii) The competent authority shall prepare the estimates in case any works are to be taken up under this rule.

(a) where a member has defaulted in payment of such levy levied by a Farmers Organisation, the Managing Committee shall prepare a list of defaulters along with amounts due, which shall be furnished to the Tahsildar of the area in whose jurisdiction the area of operation of a Farmers Organisation lies for recovery under Section 30 of the Act.

Financial Audit

(i) the Managing Committee shall, appoint an Auditor who has adequate experience in normal auditing work;

(ii) the Auditor so appointed shall be a person of repute in the area of operation of the Farmers Organisation who has reasonable knowledge in accounts or any recognised auditor;

(iii) the appointment of the Auditor shall be approved by the Managing Committee of the Farmers Organisation;

(iv) the Auditor so appointed shall take all steps necessary to scrutinise the accounts of receipts and expenditure, within thirty days of his appointment and furnish the audit report along with the statement of accounts and balance sheet to the President of the concerned Farmers Organisation, duly attesting the same;

(v) the audit report shall be submitted to the general body in its meeting for its approval;

(vi) the Managing Committee of a Farmers Organisation shall furnish the implementation report to the General Body on all matters as pointed out in the audit report and the Managing Committee shall implement the decisions of the General Body in this regard; and

(vii) if the overall transactions exceed Rs.20.00 lakhs per annum, the Farmers Organisation shall engage the services of a Chartered Accountant.

Note. - In view of omission of sub-Rule 4 & 9, the sl. nos of the next sub-rule are changed and arranged in sequence order

Functions of Competent Authority

1. attend the meetings convened by the Managing Committee, and participate in the discussions. However, he shall not have any voting right. He is the custodian of all the vital records and Registers of the Government and also in charge of all the Structures and irrigation systems in his jurisdiction;

2. assist in the preparation of maintenance plan;

3. prepare estimates for works identified for execution; the estimate shall be prepared as per the norms and the rules prescribed by the Water Resources Department from time to time and also obtain approval for action Plan from CAD Committee.

3.a The Competent Authority is primarily responsible for proper upkeep of the Irrigation structures & orderly Water Regulation.

4. to accord or obtain technical sanction from the officer competent to the maintenance works, as per the powers delegated. The technical sanction shall be limited to the administrative sanctions for the work;

5. ensure that no alteration or change is made in the irrigation system, with reference to the approved hydraulic particulars;

6. bring to the notice of higher authorities of Water Resources Department any tampering or changes made in the system, by any Farmers Organisation in contravention of the hydraulic particulars. He shall ensure that action is taken in accordance with the Sections 23, 24 and 25 of the Act as the case may be for the damages caused and also take immediate action for its restoration;

7. provide technical details of the system and guidance to the member of the Managing Committee;

8. record measurements for the work done and pass the bills for payments by Farmers Organisation based on the approval of the works sub-committee.

9. to conduct recall proceedings of a Chairman or Vice-Chairman or President or Vice-President or member of managing committee of Farmers Organisation.

Note. - in view of omission of the sub-rule 8 to 13, the sl. Nos of the next sub-rules are changed and arranged in a sequence order. And also the sub-rule 28(9) is brought from the GO 53, dtd 11-4-2008

Competent Authority (Engineering)

Competent Authority (Agriculture)

Mandal Agricultural Officer (MAOs) shall be competent authority (Agriculture ) to Water User Association (WUA).

2. Distributory Committee level:

Assistant Director of Agriculture (Regular) shall be competent authority to the Distributory Committees of major Irrigation Project.

3. Project Committee level:

(a) Joint Director of Agriculture (JDA) of the District Concerned shall be competent authority to Project committee of Major Irrigation Project.

(b) Deputy Director of Agriculture (DDA) of the concerned district shall be competent authority to Project committee of Medium Irrigation Project.

1. Attend General Body meetings convened by the managing committee (M.C) or members through requisition, at least twice in a year, one before Kharif and another before Rabi season.

2. Assist the Managing Committee in the preparation of Action Plan for Agriculture production and also contingent plans in case of contingency.

3. Provide literature on irrigated agriculture published by the department or any other reputed organizations.

4. Arrange trainings on irrigated agriculture in consultation with Deputy Director of Agriculture (DDA) Farmers Training Centre (FTC), District Irrigation Agronomist (DIAs), Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU), Non Government Organization (NGO) or any other organization.

5. Organise on farm Demonstrations (OFDs) in the holdings of Water Users Association members with or without Government aid (selection should be made in the General Body Meetings).

6. Conduct interaction meetings at 2 or 3 critical stages of the crop.

7. Celebrate field day in the presence of farmers, Water Resources Department & Revenue Department officials and record the yields.

8. Record the yields of crop cutting (CC) Experiments conducted by the Directorate of Economics Statistics, if the experiments happen to fall in the area of Water Users Association.

9. If there are no crop cutting experiments in the WUA area, conduct special crop cutting experiments for each crop and season with the help of Assistant Statistical Officer from the office of the Tahsildar.

10. Guide the farmers in the maintenance of the following Records and Registers.

 • On Farm Demonstration (OFD Register)

 • Soil Map and Soil Testing results

 • Statistical register including yield data of preceding 5 years i.e., Crop wise normal areas, yield , Yield potentiality of crops etc.,

 • Agricultural literature.

11. Collect success stories of the farmers who got good yields and display at prominent places of the village and introduce the farmers in the General Body meetings.

12. Provide technical inputs regularly to all the members of Farmers Organisation for increasing productivity of irrigated crops.

13. Ensure to grow Irrigated Dry (I.D) crops in the tail end areas of canals in the place of paddy for increasing crop intensity.

14. Educate Farmers Organisations on reduction of cost of cultivation of irrigation of irrigated and I.D, crops for getting economical returns by adopting Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) & Integrated Pest Management (IPM) etc.,

General

(a) the General Body of Association may take a decision not to supply water or provide benefits to such person;

(b) the General Body may order for recovery of damages and cause them to reimburse the loss caused to the assets or income of the Farmers Organisation;

(c) the General Body may take a decision to prosecute such persons in a court of law.

(1) Property Register

Government of Andhra Pradesh

Irrigation and Command Area Development Department

Form - I

Inventory Register Form

Details Of System And Command Structures

Form - II

Register of Vacant Lands and Buildings

Form – III

Register of Income on Miscellaneous Property

Form - IV

Registeer of Machinery

Form – V

Register of Membership

Details of Members With Voting Rights

(Form-A)

Details of Members Without Voiting Rights

(Form-B)

Wua-Details of Other Members

(Form-C)

Form-VI

Water Flow Register

Canal Gauge Register

Form-VII

Sanctions Register

Register of Administrative and Technical Sanctions and Payments

Form - VIII

Cash Book

Form - IX

Special Fee / Tax Collection Register

Form-X

Agenda

Form - X.A

Minutes Register

Form -XI

[See Rule 27(1) of A.P. Farmers Organization Rules]

Prelimenary Offences Report

(Under Section 23 of APFMIS Act 1997)

Signature of the Competent Authority

Form -XII

[See rule 27(5) of A.P. Farmers Organization Rules]

Composition Form

(under Section 25 of APFMIS Act 1997)

Signature of Deputy Executive Engineer

[See Rule 27(8)]

Proceedings of The Executive Engineer,.......................

Dated. ..............

1. Sri./Smt....................

2. ....................

3. ....................

The Dy. E.E. is requested to file the charge sheet in the Hon,ble Judicial first class Magistrate Court, .................... immediately and report compliance.

Executive Engineer,

........................