Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah announced that, as of November 21, 2024, a total of 1,227 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) have been identified by 13 States and Union Territories to manage the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of piped water supply schemes in rural areas at the Panchayat or village level.
However, Shah noted, “In the case of West Bengal, no PACS has been identified by the State Government to carry out O&M of piped water supply schemes in rural areas,”he said.
To bolster rural infrastructure, PACS have been made eligible to take on responsibilities for O&M of piped water supply schemes. This initiative emphasizes collaboration with State governments, which are required to incorporate enabling provisions in their O&M policies and identify appropriate PACS for engagement in these schemes.
The success of this initiative hinges on proactive measures by States to align with the central government’s vision for strengthening rural water supply infrastructure through grassroots institutions like PACS.