Cabinet approves extension of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) period up to December 2028 with enhanced outlay and restructured implementation focusing on structural reforms in rural drinking water supply sector under JJM 2.0

**Executive Summary** The Cabinet has approved the extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) until December 2028, with an enhanced outlay and a restructured implementation approach. This initiative shifts focus from infrastructure creation to service delivery, emphasizing governance and institutional support for sustainable rural piped water supply. The target is to achieve 'Har Ghar Jal' certification for all Gram Panchayats by December 2028. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Extension and Outlay:** * The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) period is extended up to December 2028. * The total outlay has been enhanced to Rs. 8.69 lakh crore, with a central assistance of Rs. 3.59 lakh crore. * This includes an additional central share of Rs. 1.51 lakh crore compared to 2019-20. * **Restructured Implementation:** * The mission is reoriented from infrastructure creation to service delivery. * Focus is on drinking water governance and an institutional ecosystem for sustainable rural piped potable water supply. * A "Whole of Government" approach and strategic convergence among departments are envisaged for long-term operation and maintenance. * **Digital Framework and Transparency:** * A uniform national digital framework, "Sujalam Bharat," will be instituted. * Each village will be assigned a unique Sujal Gaon / Service Area ID, digitally mapping the water supply system from source to tap. * The involvement of Gram Panchayats (GPs) and Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) in commissioning and handover through "Jal Arpan" will ensure transparency and accountability. * **Certification and Community Participation:** * Gram Panchayats must certify the completion of works and declare "Har Ghar Jal" only after confirming adequate in-village operation and maintenance mechanisms are established. * "Jal Utsav," an annual community-led maintenance and review event, will be promoted to foster community ownership and participation. * **Coverage and Targets:** * The aim is to provide tap water connections to all 19.36 crore rural households across the country by December 2028. * As of the document's date, 15.80 crore (81.61%) households have tap water connections. * **Impacts and Vision:** * The initiative is expected to free women from fetching water, enabling greater participation in economic activities. * Significant reductions in diarrheal deaths and Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) are projected. * Potential reduction in under-five mortality and generation of substantial direct and indirect employment are anticipated. * JJM 2.0 supports the vision of "Viksit Bharat @2047" by ensuring assured 24x7 rural drinking water supply. **Impact Analysis** **Rural Households** * **Impact:** Will receive access to tap water connections, leading to improved health, reduced drudgery for women, enhanced dignity, and greater opportunities for education and livelihood activities. * **Action Required:** Gram Panchayats must ensure in-village operation and maintenance mechanisms are established for "Har Ghar Jal" certification. **Gram Panchayats (GPs) and Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs)** * **Impact:** Will have increased responsibilities in commissioning, formal handover, and ensuring the operation and maintenance of drinking water schemes. They are crucial for the certification of "Har Ghar Jal." * **Action Required:** To certify the completion of works and declare "Har Ghar Jal" after confirming adequate in-village operation and maintenance. To participate in "Jal Utsav" events. **State/UT Governments** * **Impact:** Responsible for establishing adequate in-village operation and maintenance mechanisms and entering into separate MoUs with the Central Government regarding timelines, scheme sustainability, and service delivery. * **Action Required:** To ensure the establishment of in-village operation and maintenance mechanisms. To enter into separate MoUs with the Central Government. **Central Government (Ministry of Jal Shakti)** * **Impact:** Will provide central assistance and oversee the implementation of JJM 2.0 through enhanced outlay, digital frameworks, and strategic convergence. * **Action Required:** To institute the "Sujalam Bharat" digital framework, facilitate the restructuring and implementation of JJM 2.0, and ensure strategic convergence with other departments.

Key Entities Referenced