Cabinet Approves ₹8.69 Lakh Crore Extension for Jal Jeevan Mission Until 2028

The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) until December 2028. The programme aims to provide piped drinking water to rural households across the country. 

Along with the extension, the government has decided to restructure the scheme. The revised approach places greater attention on service delivery and long-term management of rural water supply systems. 

The mission will continue to be implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti in coordination with state governments. 

Increased Financial Allocation 

The Cabinet approved a revised total outlay of ₹8.69 lakh crore for the programme. Of this, the central government’s contribution is set at ₹3.59 lakh crore. 

Reports suggest that when the scheme was launched in 2019-20, the Centre had allocated ₹2.08 lakh crore. The revised plan therefore adds an additional ₹1.51 lakh crore in central funding. 

The programme will be implemented through agreements with states and Union Territories covering timelines, maintenance responsibilities and delivery of rural drinking water services. 

Expansion of Rural Tap Connections 

In 2019, only 3.23 crore rural households had tap water connections, accounting for around 17% of the total rural households in the country. 

Since then, more than 12.56 crore additional households have received tap connections under the mission. 

Government data indicates that 19.36 crore rural households have been identified nationwide. As of now, around 15.80 crore households, or 81.61%, are reported to have tap water connections. 

Digital Monitoring Framework 

A national digital system named “Sujalam Bharat” will be introduced as part of the revised structure of the programme. 

Under this system, every village will receive a unique service area identification number called the Sujal Gaon ID. The digital framework will map the drinking water supply network from the source to household taps. 

The system will also record details of infrastructure, operations, and service delivery across rural water supply schemes. 

Role of Local Bodies 

Local institutions such as Gram Panchayats and Village Water and Sanitation Committees will be involved in verifying the completion and handover of schemes through an initiative called “Jal Arpan”. 

A Gram Panchayat will certify its area as “Har Ghar Jal” only after confirming that local arrangements for operating and maintaining the system are in place. 

The programme will also include an annual community event called “Jal Utsav”, which will review the functioning of water supply systems at the village level. 

Read More: PM-Kisan 22nd Instalment Date Announced: Farmers Must Check Their e-KYC to Get ₹2,000! 

Conclusion 

The extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission is to expand rural tap water coverage while focusing on management and monitoring. The revised plan includes funding, digital tracking of water supply networks and involvement of local institutions in maintaining rural drinking water infrastructure. 

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