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Jal Jeevan Mission Expansion and Rural Water Supply Transfer

UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Governance

GovernanceEconomyPolity

Why in news

The Jal Jeevan Mission has achieved 82.09% rural tap water coverage, up from 16.71% at launch. The Union Cabinet approved Mission extension to December 2028 with increased outlay and structural reforms under JJM 2.0. The 'Jal Arpan' initiative and community management guidelines aim to ensure long-term sustainability of water supply schemes.

Background

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) was launched in August 2019 to provide every rural household with a functional tap connection (FHTC) supplying 55 litres per person per day of BIS:10500 quality water. 'Drinking water' is a state subject; central government provides technical and financial support. The mission was initially set for completion by 2024.

Key facts

in5points

  1. As of 18 July 2026, 15.89 crore rural households (82.09%) have tap water connections, up from 3.23 crore (16.71%) at launch.

  2. Total rural households in India: 19.36 crore.

  3. JJM extended to December 2028 as JJM 2.0 with total outlay increased from ₹3.60 lakh crore to ₹8.69 lakh crore.

  4. Central share increased from ₹2.08 lakh crore to ₹3.59 lakh crore (additional ₹1.51 lakh crore).

  5. States/UTs advised to notify comprehensive O&M policy including transfer of schemes to Gram Panchayats/VWSCs, user fee collection by women SHGs.

  6. 'Jal Arpan' initiative celebrates commissioning of water supply schemes and promotes community participation.

  7. Guidelines for community-managed piped water supply systems include a 15-day trial period before transfer to Gram Panchayats.

  8. Each state/UT will prepare a Comprehensive Implementation and Reform Plan (CIRP) under JJM 2.0.

  9. Drinking water is a state subject; states are responsible for planning, approval, implementation, O&M of schemes.

Prelims pointers

  • Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal
  • Launch: August 2019
  • Target: 55 litres per person per day (lpcd) of BIS:10500 quality water
  • Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC)
  • Jal Arpan initiative
  • Community-Managed Piped Water Supply Systems guidelines
  • Gram Jal and Swachhata Samiti (VWSC)
  • Comprehensive Implementation and Reform Plan (CIRP)
  • JJM 2.0: extended to December 2028, total outlay ₹8.69 lakh crore, central share ₹3.59 lakh crore
  • Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti

Mains angles

  • Discuss the achievements and challenges of Jal Jeevan Mission in ensuring universal rural drinking water access.
  • Critically examine the role of community participation and Gram Panchayats in sustaining rural water supply schemes.
  • Analyze the structural reforms under JJM 2.0 and their potential impact on water governance.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of user fee collection and O&M policies in rural water supply.
Jal Jeevan Mission Expansion and Rural Water Supply Transfer — UPSC Governance · in5points