Mission JJM 2.0 Signals Major Shift: Reforms Signed with Manipur and Bihar to Ensure Sustainable Rural Water Security

Mission JJM 2.0 Signals Major Shift: Reforms Signed with Manipur and Bihar to Ensure Sustainable Rural Water Security​

Centre-State Partnership Drives Governance Reform Under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0​

Reform-linked Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed today under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0, marking a pivotal moment in sustainable rural water governance for Manipur and Bihar. The signings signify a crucial strategic shift from merely creating infrastructure to ensuring long-term, reliable service delivery across these states.

The MoUs mandate a community-centered and service-based model of rural water management. This approach is designed to ensure that every rural household receives drinking water in adequate quantity and prescribed quality on a regular basis through strengthened citizen participation.

Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Patil, addressed the significance of JJM 2.0. He noted that the Mission, launched under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has successfully transformed rural drinking water supply, greatly reducing the drudgery associated with water fetching for women and girls.

Focusing on Sustainability and Operation in Rural Water Systems​

Under JJM 2.0, the national focus is now placed on the functionality of tap connections, source sustainability, Operations and Maintenance (O&M), and community ownership. The Union Minister stressed that achieving these objectives requires comprehensive efforts towards water conservation and rainwater harvesting.

Central authorities mandated that Gram Panchayats, along with District Water and Sanitation Missions and local communities, must collaborate closely to ensure the reliable provision of drinking water services. This integrated approach is designed to secure long-term water security aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

State Commitments: Bihar and Manipur Prioritize Service Delivery​

The Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh, highlighted that JJM 2.0 represents a strategic move toward securing sustainable service delivery rather than just infrastructure creation. He emphasized the importance of digital monitoring frameworks, policy reforms, and strengthening community participation in water security.

In turn, Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, Minister (PHE) for Bihar, assured commitment to safe and adequate drinking water. He noted that this work builds upon prior initiatives like the ‘Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal’ programme, which helped expand rural drinking water infrastructure despite significant challenges.

Grassroots Empowerment and Administrative Accountability​

Senior officials emphasized in their introductory remarks that the MoU is a shared commitment extending beyond pipeline setup to ensuring sustainable services managed at the grassroots level. This emphasizes decentralization and true community ownership of the in-village water supply systems.

Shri Ashok K. K. Meena, Secretary of DDWS, stressed the vital role of Gram Panchayats and Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSCs). He underscored that regular District Water and Sanitation Mission meetings must be conducted by all District Collectors to facilitate Village Action Plans and empower panchayats for system management.

Building Trust Through Continued Support and Progress Acknowledgment​

Union Minister Shri C.R. Patil expressed deep confidence in Manipur, noting the state’s resilience in implementation despite difficult conditions. He stated that Manipur's achievements provide an inspiring model for ensuring safe drinking water across rural households.

He committed continued support to both states, reiterating that the Government of India is dedicated to helping them achieve the Mission's goals. For Bihar, he requested firm commitment toward O&M to complete outstanding work and realize its potential in achieving comprehensive coverage.

Shri Kamal Kishore Soan, AS & MD, NJJM, acknowledged the progress in Manipur, emphasizing that JJM’s objective extends far beyond tap connections. He noted that sustained success requires strengthening existing infrastructure and ensuring investment sustainability for the next 25 to 30 years.