Sikkim has been allocated Rs 42 crore under the 15th Finance Commission Grants for the rural local bodies, and 50 per cent of it is to be used on infrastructure and water supply schemes in 411 villages in the state.
Sikkim was asked to organize a training for capacity building of gram panchayat functionaries as well as other stakeholders, and also to focus on skill development training in villages to create a pool of trained human resources at the village level.
This would be helpful in the implementation as well as the operation and maintenance of water supply systems.
“The state has been advised to carry out the mandatory chemical testing and bacteriological testing of drinking water sources,” said an official privy to the development.