Jal Jeevan Mission


The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) is a landmark initiative by the Government of India, launched on August 15, 2019, under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. 

It envisions a future where every rural household can access safe and adequate drinking water through Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs). 

More than just an infrastructure project, the mission seeks to reshape water governance in India through community involvement, sustainability, and transparency.


Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)


☰Table of Contents


Basic Facts


  • Launched – August 15, 2019   
  • Implementing Ministry – Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India.   
  • Aim – To provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) to all rural households by 2024 (now extended to 2028).   
  • Approach – Demand-driven and community-managed, focusing on creating 'Jan Andolan' or a people's movement for water.   
  • Funding Mechanism – Jointly funded by the central and state governments.

Vision and Objectives


Recognizing the fundamental importance of clean water for public health, dignity, and socio-economic development, especially in rural India, JJM seeks to eliminate the drudgery of fetching water, a task largely borne by women and young girls.


The key objectives of the mission are:

  • To provide FHTCs to all rural households.
  • Ensure a service delivery level of 55 litres per capita per day (lpcd) of potable water.
  • Promote source sustainability, water quality surveillance, and community ownership.
  • Convert the program into a 'Jan Andolan' (people’s movement) for water, empowering rural communities.

Target Group


The mission primarily targets all rural households across India, including those in remote, tribal, and underserved areas. 

It also extends the tap water supply to:
  • Schools – Ensuring children’s right to safe drinking water.
  • Anganwadi centres – Supporting nutrition and maternal health.
  • Health care centres – Promoting hygiene in medical facilities.
  • Gram Panchayat buildings – Facilitating community access.


Key Features of Jal Jeevan Mission



  • Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC): The core feature is providing a regular and long-term supply of potable water at a service level of 55 litres per capita per day (lpcd) with prescribed quality.   
  • Decentralized and Demand-Driven Approach: The mission emphasizes planning, implementation, management, and ownership of water supply systems at the village level, involving local communities.   
  • Community Participation: Encourages the formation and active involvement of Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) or Pani Samitis in all aspects of the program.
  • Source Sustainability: The emphasis is on methods for source strengthening and long-term sustainability of water supply systems, such as rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharging, and the reuse of domestic wastewater.
  • Water Quality Monitoring & Surveillance: Establishing robust systems for regular water quality testing at various levels, including community-based monitoring using Field Test Kits (FTKs) and laboratory testing.   
  • Capacity Building and Skill Development: Training local communities and stakeholders on how to operate, maintain, and manage water supply infrastructure.
  • Transparency and Accountability: Use of Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) for real-time tracking of implementation, finances, and water quality data.
  • Convergence with Other Programs: Promoting convergence with other government programs like the Swachh Bharat Mission, MGNREGA, Jal Shakti Abhiyan, and Atal Bhujal Yojana for better outcomes.   

Progress and Current Status (as of April 2025)


  • Significant Progress in Coverage: Tap water coverage has risen from 3.23 crore (2019) to 15.53 crore rural households, covering approximately 80.2% of the total target.
  • 'Har Ghar Jal' Certification: Over 2.12 lakh villages have been certified 'Har Ghar Jal', signifying 100% coverage within those communities.
  • Focus on Institutions: Tap water has reached 9.32 lakh schools and 9.69 lakh Anganwadi centres, ensuring safe drinking water for children and caregivers.   
  • Community Engagement: Over 6.2 lakh VWSCs are actively involved in water supply governance.
  • Women Empowerment through Water Quality: More than 4 lakh women have been trained in water quality testing, a strong step towards gender empowerment.
  • Regional Disparities: Regional disparities remain, with states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Rajasthan still below 60% coverage, requiring focused attention.


Financial Outlay and Budgetary Support


  • The initial central share of ₹2.08 lakh crore has been largely utilized.
  • The Ministry of Jal Shakti has proposed an enhanced total outlay of ₹9.10 lakh crore for the mission’s extended phase (up to 2028).
  • The Union Budget 2025–26 allocated ₹67,000 crore, reaffirming the government’s financial commitment despite cost concerns expressed by the Finance Ministry regarding rising per-connection expenses.


JJM and the Union Budget 2025


The 2025–26 Budget supports the mission's goals through:

  • New connections in uncovered regions.
  • Improvement of existing systems to address supply regularity and quality.
  • Investments in source strengthening and Operation and Maintenance (O&M).
  • Expansion of testing labs and FTKs.
  • Upskilling of local workers for system management.
This policy integration illustrates how water security is being mainstreamed into national development planning, vital for rural health, agriculture, and climate resilience.


Challenges and Way Forward


While JJM has made commendable strides, it faces several challenges:

  • Sustainability of water sources, especially in drought-prone and over-exploited regions.
  • Water contamination from fluoride, arsenic, and iron.
  • Capacity limitations in some Gram Panchayats in managing systems effectively.
  • Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of infrastructure post-implementation.
  • Behavioral change and ownership, especially in newly covered areas.
The mission’s extension to 2028 provides a valuable opportunity to:

  • Focus on quality, reliability, and sustainability over sheer coverage numbers.
  • Build robust local governance structures.
  • Ensure financial viability through realistic budgeting and cost control.

Conclusion 


The Jal Jeevan Mission represents one of India’s most ambitious and people-centric water supply programs. It goes beyond infrastructure to create a cultural shift in water governance, rooted in equity, participation, and sustainability. 

As the mission moves toward its 2028 goal, success will depend on continued political will, community ownership, transparent execution, and a strong focus on source sustainability and O&M.

With the right interventions, JJM can actually deliver on the promise of “Har Ghar Jal”, transforming the lives of millions in rural India.



SideNotes:
  • Litres per capita per day (lpcd) – the amount of water consumed by an individual in a day, measured in liters 
    • In urban areas, it is 135 lpcd, and in rural areas, it is 55 lpcd.
  • Union Minister of Jal Shakti – C. R. Patil.

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