Distribution of Operation & Maintenance Fund under NRDWP gets underway

GANGTOK, 22 Sept: Tokens of Operation & Maintenance Fund under the National Rural Drinking Water Programme [NRDWP] were handed over to the Village Water & Sanitation Committees [VWSCs] of four GPUs under Gangtok block in East District here on Saturday at the conference hall of RMDD.
The tokens were handed over by the RMDD Minister, CB Karki to Panchayat presidents of four GPUs, who were also the chairpersons of VWSC of their respective areas during the function organized by the Communication & Capacity Development Unit [CCDU], SIRD. Following this token distribution, now the fund will be handed over to the GPUs around the state.
It was informed that the NRDWP was implemented in the state many years back but there are problems in repair and maintenance being faced in many areas. In view of this, the Operation & Maintenance fund of Rs 1 lakh has been sanctioned, which will be provided to each VWSC in two installments of Rs 50,000 each.
Addressing the function, the Minister urged the panchayats to make the best use of the programme for the welfare of the people in their respective areas. “A panchayat holds an important position in the villages and they should be committed to the development of their respective areas in order to set an example in the state”, he said.
RMDD Secretary, DR Nepal mentioned that as the NRDWP is related to drinking water supply so it is an important programme for the rural population. In this regard, he urged for proper implementation of this programme in the rural areas for better health of the people.
Urging panchayats to work in better coordination with the department and the people, he stated that the success of the programme depends on the performance of panchayat members.
Likewise, RMDD Additional Chief Engineer [N/E], Rajen Sharma also spoke briefly on the NRDWP. The function was also addressed by CCDU State Coordinator cum SIRD Deputy Director, Yangchen Lepcha.
The function started with the welcome address by SIRD, Suchitra Rasaily and concluded with the vote of thanks by CCDU Consultant, CB Mangar.