Centre Signs Reform-Linked MoUs with Uttarakhand, Karnataka and Tripura Under JJM 2.0

The MoUs signal a strategic shift towards a Gram Panchayat-led, service-oriented and community-driven model of water management.

In a significant step towards achieving universal rural water access and long-term sustainability, the Government of India has signed reform-linked Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the states of Uttarakhand, Karnataka, and Tripura under the ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0. The agreements follow the Union Cabinet's approval of the mission's second phase on March 10, 2026, marking a renewed push to transform rural water governance across the country.

The MoUs signal a strategic shift towards a Gram Panchayat-led, service-oriented and community-driven model of water management. At the core of JJM 2.0 is the emphasis on Jan Bhagidari (people's participation), ensuring that rural communities are not just beneficiaries but active stakeholders in planning, operation, and maintenance of drinking water systems. The framework aims to guarantee that every rural household receives safe, adequate, and regular drinking water supply, while strengthening institutional mechanisms for long-term sustainability.

The agreements were signed in separate meetings in the presence of Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Patil, and Minister of State Shri V. Somanna, with Chief Ministers of all three states joining virtually. Senior officials from the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), including Secretary Shri Ashok K.K. Meena and Mission Director of National Jal Jeevan Mission Shri Kamal Kishore Soan, also participated in the proceedings.

A Reform-Driven Approach to Rural Water Governance

The reform-linked MoUs lay down a comprehensive roadmap for structural transformation in rural water supply systems. These include strengthening operation and maintenance (O&M) frameworks at the Gram Panchayat level, establishing District Technical Units (DTUs), ensuring regular District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) meetings, and maintaining real-time implementation data on the JJM dashboard. States are also required to take ownership of O&M and retrofitting costs, reinforcing accountability and sustainability.

Union Minister C.R. Patil emphasised that Jal Jeevan Mission is "not merely a scheme, but a life-impacting mission" that has significantly improved dignity, health, and quality of life in rural India, particularly for women. He highlighted that the mission timeline, initially set for May 2024, has now been extended to December 2028 to achieve 100 percent functional household tap water coverage nationwide.

State-Level Progress and Commitments

Each participating state showcased notable progress while committing to accelerated implementation under JJM 2.0:

• Uttarakhand has emerged as a frontrunner, achieving approximately 98 percent coverage with functional household tap water connections, benefiting over 14.2 lakh rural households. The state highlighted its efforts in managing geographical challenges such as landslides and fragile terrain through initiatives like the Spring and River Rejuvenation Authority (SARRA), which has treated over 6,500 water sources and enabled large-scale rainwater harvesting.

• Karnataka, despite being one of India's most water-stressed states, has achieved around 87 percent coverage. The state has implemented a comprehensive O&M policy and strengthened Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) with gender-balanced representation, ensuring inclusive governance. It also emphasised the need for timely release of funds to sustain momentum.

• Tripura has recorded rapid progress, increasing coverage from just 3 percent in 2019 to 86 percent. The state has established District Technical Units across all districts and completed Jal Seva Aankalan in 151 Gram Panchayats, laying a strong foundation for data-driven water governance.

Empowering Local Institutions and Ensuring Sustainability

A key innovation under JJM 2.0 is the decentralisation of water management to Gram Panchayats, which are now entrusted with operating village water supply systems and collecting user charges to ensure financial sustainability. This model is expected to create a sense of ownership at the grassroots level while ensuring regular service delivery.

Officials also stressed the importance of preparing and certifying village-level saturation plans, supported by district administrations through periodic reviews and monitoring mechanisms.

Towards Viksit Bharat @2047

The MoUs align with the broader national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, aiming to ensure long-term water security and improved living standards in rural India. By integrating infrastructure development with governance reforms and community participation, JJM 2.0 seeks to create resilient and self-sustaining rural water systems.

With these agreements, the Centre and states have reaffirmed their shared commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable drinking water to every rural household—transforming not just infrastructure, but the quality of life for millions across the country.