Centre Signs Reform-Linked JJM 2.0 Deals with Four States and Puducherry

During the discussions, Shri Patil stressed the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to water management that extends beyond the provision of household tap connections.

In a significant step towards ensuring sustainable, reliable and citizen-centric rural drinking water services across India, the Ministry of Jal Shakti has signed reform-linked Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 with four States—Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu and Nagaland—and the Union Territory of Puducherry. The agreements mark a new phase in India's rural water supply programme, focusing not only on infrastructure creation but also on long-term service delivery, community ownership and water security.

The MoUs were signed in the presence of Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C.R. Patil, Minister of State Shri V. Somanna, and the Chief Ministers of the participating States and Union Territory during a series of virtual meetings conducted through video conferencing. Senior officials from the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), including Secretary Shri Ashok K.K. Meena and National Jal Jeevan Mission officials, also attended the signing ceremonies.

The reform-linked agreements are designed to promote a Gram Panchayat-led, service-based and community-centred model of rural water governance, aligned with the objectives of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0. The initiative seeks to ensure that every rural household receives an adequate quantity of safe drinking water of prescribed quality on a regular basis while strengthening community participation and institutional accountability.

Community Ownership and Structural Reforms at the Core of JJM 2.0

The newly signed MoUs mandate structural reforms aimed at strengthening the operation and maintenance of rural water supply systems. Central to this approach is empowering Gram Panchayats and Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) to manage and maintain local water infrastructure effectively. The programme promotes decentralised governance and community ownership to ensure long-term functionality of water supply systems.

The agreements also support India's broader vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 by enhancing living standards in rural areas through improved access to safe drinking water and sustainable water management practices.

Addressing the participating States and Union Territory, Union Minister Shri C.R. Patil highlighted that Jal Jeevan Mission, launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has transformed rural drinking water access across the country and significantly reduced the burden on women and girls who previously spent considerable time fetching water. Under JJM 2.0, he said, the focus has now shifted towards ensuring functionality, sustainability and quality of water services.

Union Minister Emphasises Sustainability, Conservation and Community Participation

During the discussions, Shri Patil stressed the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to water management that extends beyond the provision of household tap connections.

He called for greater attention to:

• Water conservation measures.

• Rainwater harvesting.

• Groundwater recharge initiatives.

• Greywater management.

• Protection of catchment areas.

• Community-based water quality monitoring.

The Minister emphasised that Gram Panchayats, District Water and Sanitation Missions (DWSMs), State Water and Sanitation Missions and local communities must work collaboratively to ensure reliable and sustainable drinking water services.

Addressing specific state concerns, he urged Arunachal Pradesh to accelerate laboratory accreditation, hold regular District Water and Sanitation Mission meetings and implement the proposed operation and maintenance policy suited to the state's mountainous terrain and high rainfall conditions. He also encouraged the observance of "Jal Arpan Diwas" to facilitate the formal transfer of water assets to Gram Panchayats.

For Jharkhand, the Minister stressed the need to strengthen source sustainability, water conservation and operation and maintenance practices while accelerating the completion of ongoing projects to ensure universal access to safe drinking water.

In Tamil Nadu, he commended the state's progress and encouraged stronger efforts in rainwater harvesting, greywater management and source sustainability, while effectively utilising available grants to strengthen water infrastructure.

For Puducherry, which achieved Har Ghar Jal certification in 2021, Shri Patil emphasised maintaining regular and reliable services through community ownership, awareness campaigns and sustainable resource management.

Addressing Nagaland, he expressed confidence that the state would provide tap water connections to all remaining households during the current year, ensuring continued benefits for rural communities, particularly women and children.

States Reaffirm Commitment to Safe and Sustainable Rural Water Supply

The participating States and Union Territory welcomed the reform-linked framework and reaffirmed their commitment to achieving the objectives of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu highlighted the transformative impact of the mission in a state characterised by difficult terrain, scattered settlements and remote habitations. He noted that Arunachal Pradesh is moving steadily towards universal household tap water coverage and emphasised the importance of source sustainability through initiatives such as the Arunachal Pradesh Spring Rejuvenation Programme and the state's drinking water catchment protection legislation.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren said the MoU would strengthen efforts to provide safe and reliable drinking water to every rural household. He acknowledged implementation challenges related to terrain, forest clearances and infrastructure permissions, while requesting continued support from the Government of India. He also highlighted the role of community groups and Jal Sahiyas in managing and monitoring rural water supply systems.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thiru C. Joseph Vijay welcomed the extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission implementation period until December 2028 and highlighted the state's unique water challenges arising from the absence of major perennial water sources. He stressed the importance of expediting Kaveri-based drinking water projects for water-stressed districts such as Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri and reaffirmed the state's commitment to ensuring safe and adequate drinking water for all rural households.

Puducherry Chief Minister Shri N. Rangasamy described Jal Jeevan Mission as one of the country's most significant public welfare programmes and pledged continued cooperation with the Ministry of Jal Shakti. He emphasised priorities such as digital water quality monitoring, community-managed systems and sustainable water resource management.

Nagaland Chief Minister Shri Neiphiu Rio described JJM as one of the most transformative rural development programmes in recent years. He noted that the mission has significantly improved the quality of life in rural Nagaland by reducing the burden on households that previously depended on distant water sources and reaffirmed the state's commitment to institutional strengthening and sustainable water management under JJM 2.0.

Strengthening Grassroots Institutions for Long-Term Water Security

In his remarks, DDWS Secretary Shri Ashok K.K. Meena emphasised that the MoUs represent a shared commitment between the Centre and States to ensure safe, secure and sustainable drinking water services for rural households. He stated that Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 is not merely about laying pipelines but about building resilient institutions capable of managing water services over the long term. Empowering Gram Panchayats and Village Water and Sanitation Committees will be essential for ensuring local ownership and accountability.

The Secretary also highlighted the importance of regular District Water and Sanitation Mission meetings, preparation of Village Action Plans and certification of Panchayats as capable institutions for managing rural water systems. District administrations, he said, will play a crucial role in monitoring implementation and supporting local governance structures.

The signing of these reform-linked agreements marks an important milestone in the evolution of India's rural water sector. By combining infrastructure development with community participation, institutional strengthening and sustainable resource management, Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 aims to secure safe drinking water for rural communities while advancing the vision of "Har Ghar Nirantar Nal Se Jal" and contributing to India's long-term development goals.