Water Users Association and Irrigation Management - Institute for ...

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a natural monopoly situation that can be filled by a state agency. The inherent features of
rivalry and non-excludability of water resources implies that its optimal allocation can be
achieved via state allocation through organization of irrigators. Moreover, the scale and
technological complexity of many large-scale surface irrigation systems require state
intervention to manage them.
In Gundur, otlice bearers of the WUA expressed the view that training of both otlice
bearers and members interested in accounting is important to understand, or to develop
simpler accounting procedures that can be understood more readily by everyone in the
WUA. They should be instructed regarding professional practices and procedures in
budgeting. This will help in the review and discussion of audit reports in general assembly
meeting. Another aspect that required agency intervention was the instilling of awareness
on legal regulations affecting WUA activity. Also opportunities for upgrading of skills
should be made available to farmers and training should also be given to carry out minor
repairs. So far, none of the members of the WUA have received any training on managerial
or administrative aspects although once three farmers were taken to Maharashtra WUAs by
CADA as part of their "farmer-to-farmcr" training program, which was considered
successful because it related directly to people's experience. Since the WUA has not hired
any professionals to manage their system, agency intervention in training the otlice bearers
becomes imperative.
One of the office bearers interviewed remarked:
" We are not happy with the agency support so far in the village, and we need their support
for training of farmers and technical advice although it is not necessary that the regulation
of the association be imposed coercively from the agency. We would like to confirm to
legitimatejormulas devised by liS, rather than to formulas devised by external experts ".
Maintenance of records
Proper and transparent maintenance of records is one of the key indicators for assessing the
performance of the WUA. In Gundur, maps of irrigation and drainage systems and most of
the administrative and financial records are kept in the office of the WUA. The treasurer
assumes entire responsibility for financial transactions and for maintaining bank accounts,
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