New Delhi: The Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 received another major boost as the Centre signed reform-linked Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with West Bengal and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The agreement aims to improve rural drinking water supply through a transparent, community-led and service-based governance model. The Ministry of Jal Shakti said the move is aligned with the vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047.”
Key Highlights
- The MoUs were signed under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
- Focus is on rural drinking water management.
- Gram Panchayats will play a major role in water governance.
- The model is community-centred and accountability-driven.
- The agreements are part of the nationwide rollout of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 reforms.
What Is Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0?
The Ministry of Jal Shakti launched the Jal Jeevan Mission to provide safe tap water connections to rural households across India. Under JJM 2.0, the government is now focusing more on:
- Long-term sustainability
- Regular water supply
- Water quality monitoring
- Community ownership
- Operation and maintenance reforms
The scheme has been extended till December 2028 with a renewed focus on governance reforms and accountability.
The MoUs were signed in the presence of:
- C. R. Patil, Union Minister of Jal Shakti
- V. Somanna, Minister of State for Jal Shakti
- Ashok K. K. Meena and senior officials from the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS).
Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0: Andaman & Nicobar Islands Agreement
The agreement with Andaman and Nicobar Islands focused on strengthening rural water supply systems through community participation.
Important points:
- The UT administration has already achieved 100% rural tap water coverage.
- Pilot projects under JJM 2.0 have started in some gram panchayats.
- Village-level institutions will manage operations and maintenance.
- Officials discussed financial transparency and sustainability measures.
The MoU exchange took place virtually in the presence of Lieutenant Governor Admiral D.K. Joshi and senior UT officials.
West Bengal Agreement
The MoU with West Bengal was signed at the Chief Minister’s Office in Kolkata.
Officials present included:
- Suvendu Adhikari
- Senior state government officials
- DDWS representatives from the Centre.
The Centre asked the state government to improve implementation speed in districts like:
- Darjeeling
- Kalimpong
- Purulia
Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0: Government’s Long-Term Vision
The Centre aims to ensure every rural household gets:
- Safe drinking water
- Adequate supply
- Regular service delivery
- Better water quality management
The mission is also linked with digital monitoring systems and community-led governance models.
Read also: Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0: Key Changes, New Rules & Future of Rural Water Supply in India
