Lok Sabha Question No. 2327 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-10
Subject: Role of PACS
Ministry: COOPERATION
Asked by: Shri Raju Bista

## 2327. Shri Raju Bista:

Will the Minister of COOPERATION ( सहकारिता मंत्री ) be pleased to state:

- (a) whether any steps have been taken by the Ministry for the role of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) for rural water supply related works, particularly in Kalimpong, North Dinajpur and Darjeeling district;
- (b) whether the State has any role for successful implementation of this initiative, if so, the details of the projects undertaken by respective States;
- (c) the details about budget allocation for PACS, and expenditure details thereof; and
- (d) the manner in which the rural households and people are getting benefitted from this scheme in the last 3 years and how this initiative is cooperating with Jal Jeevan Mission?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF COOPERATION सहकारिता मंत्री (SHRI AMIT SHAH)

(a) and (b): Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) have been made eligible for carrying out Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of piped water supply schemes in rural areas.

The successful implementation of this initiative relies on the cooperation of State governments. States are required to incorporate enabling provisions in their Operation and Maintenance (O&M) policies and identify suitable PACS for engagement in rural piped water supply schemes.

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. As on 21 st November, 2024, total 1,227 PACS have been identified/ selected by 13 States/ UTs to provide O&M services at Panchayat/ Village level, the State-wise details of which are attached at Annexure .

- (c): This initiative does not include any provision for budget allocation to PACS. However, under the project for Computerization of functional PACS, a total financial outlay of ₹2,516 Crore has been approved by the Government of India, which entails bringing all functional PACS in the Country  onto  a  common  ERP  based  national  software,  linking  them  with  NABARD  through StCBs and DCCBs.
- (d): The initiative,  started  on  11 th July,  2023,  aims  to  benefit  the  rural  households  through improved  piped  water  supply  services,  reduced  operational  disruptions,  and  enhanced  water availability due to PACS-led O&M activities. These efforts complement the Jal Jeevan Mission by ensuring sustainable and efficient water service delivery.

Further, a Pilot Project has been initiated by the State of Madhya Pradesh in District Dhar, where an M-PACS has been authorized to collect water taxes on behalf of the Gram Panchayat on a commission basis.

*****

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COOPERATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2327

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 10 th  DECEMBER, 2024

## Role of PACS

## Annexure

## PACS Identified for O&M under Rural Piped Water Supply - State-wise status

| S. No.   | States/ Union Territories   | No. of PACS Identified   |
|----------|-----------------------------|--------------------------|
| 1        | Assam                       | 285                      |
| 2        | Gujarat                     | 178                      |
| 3        | Odisha                      | 163                      |
| 4        | Jharkhand                   | 145                      |
| 5        | Punjab                      | 118                      |
| 6        | Manipur                     | 113                      |
| 7        | Jammu and Kashmir           | 100                      |
| 8        | Chhattisgarh                | 33                       |
| 9        | Maharashtra                 | 38                       |
| 10       | Uttarakhand                 | 36                       |
| 11       | Meghalaya                   | 16                       |
| 12       | Madhya Pradesh              | 1                        |
| 13       | Andaman and Nicobar Islands | 1                        |
| Total    | Total                       | 1,227                    |