Panchayats will now run drinking water schemes in Himachal Pradesh.
State Bureau, Shimla. In Himachal Pradesh, the operation, maintenance and repair work of drinking water schemes under the Panchayats has been handed over to the Panchayats. This work has been assigned by the Panchayati Raj Department under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Notification has been issued in this regard. It is mandatory to include 50 percent women in the committee at the Panchayat level. The State Government, in exercise of the powers conferred under the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, has assigned the functions related to Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of drinking water supply schemes within the Panchayat area to the respective Gram Panchayats. Detailed guidelines have been issued for this. This decision will increase local participation in water management at the rural level and will ensure better maintenance of the schemes. The right to determine and collect water service charges has been given to the Panchayat. Central, State Finance Commission and other grants will be used only for operation and maintenance of water supply.
Committee will be formed
Formation of Village Water and Sanitation Committee (VWSC) was made mandatory in every Panchayat. All elected women officers of the Panchayat (Pradhan, Deputy Pradhan, members) will be members of the committee. At least 50 percent of the members in the committee will be women. One member of the committee will be nominated as chairman through a Panchayat resolution. All sections of the village, especially women and marginalized communities, will be included as special invitees in the meetings. The VWSC will manage all financial transactions related to water supply schemes.
Operation & Maintenance & Property Management
The Panchayat will be responsible for the regular operation and repair of the village water supply system. The services of pump operators, technicians and essential personnel can be availed, but permanent appointment will not be made without the permission of the state government. Details of all assets related to drinking water will be recorded in the village property register. Proper monitoring and maintenance has to be ensured. Water quality testing will have to be done with field test kits and periodic testing in recognized laboratories. It has been made mandatory to inform the community about test results. Water connection and service will have to be ensured to every rural family including scattered settlements.
Also read: Himachal: NIA investigation of blast near Nalagarh police station, suspicious material and serious signs found from the spot Also read: Himachal government will give Rs 1500 to the women of Pangi, Lahaul Spiti, Dodra Kwar and Kupvi, will get the benefit of Sukh Samman Nidhi Scheme