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 Union Cabinet has approved the extension and restructuring of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) until December 2028, with an enhanced outlay and a focus on structural reforms in rural drinking water supply. This initiative shifts from infrastructure creation to service delivery, aiming to ensure sustainable rural piped potable water for all by December 2028. Key actions include digital mapping of water systems and community-led maintenance events. **Key Points / Main Content** **Mission Extension and Restructuring** * Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) period extended up to December 2028. * Implementation will focus on structural reforms for rural drinking water supply. * The mission's approach shifts from infrastructure creation to service delivery, supported by drinking water governance and an institutional ecosystem. **Financial Outlay** * Total outlay enhanced to Rs. 8.69 lakh crore. * Total central assistance increased to Rs. 3.59 lakh crore, an increase of Rs. 1.51 lakh crore from the Rs. 2.08 lakh crore approved in 2019-20. **Digital Framework and Transparency** * A uniform national digital framework, "Sujalam Bharat," will be instituted. * Every village will be assigned a unique Sujal Gaon / Service Area ID for digital mapping of the entire drinking water supply system from source to tap. * Involvement of Gram Panchayats (GPs) and Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) in commissioning and formal handover of schemes through "Jal Arpan" will ensure transparency and accountability. **Certification and Community Participation** * Gram Panchayats must certify 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. **Progress and Targets** * As of the document's date, out of 19.36 crore identified rural households, approximately 15.80 crore (81.61%) have tap water connections. * JJM 2.0 aims to provision tap water connection to all 19.36 crore rural households by December 2028. **Impact and Benefits** * Impact assessments by institutions like SBI Research, WHO, Prof. Michael Kremer, and IIM Bangalore/ILO highlight benefits such as reduced drudgery for women, improved health outcomes, prevention of deaths, and employment generation. * Women and girl children are identified as principal beneficiaries, gaining from reduced drudgery, improved health, enhanced dignity, and better opportunities for education and livelihoods. **Strategic Approach** * JJM 2.0 will facilitate the certification of all Gram Panchayats as ‘Har Ghar Jal' by December 2028. * It ensures adherence to timelines, scheme sustainability, and citizen-centric water services through separate MoUs with States/UTs. * The vision is to shift from an infrastructure-centric approach to a citizen-centric utility-based service delivery approach. * A "Whole of Government" approach will ensure strategic convergence among various government departments for sustainable operation and maintenance of rural water supply infrastructure. **Impact Analysis** **Rural Households** * **Impact**: Will receive assured 24x7 rural drinking water supply through tap connections by December 2028, leading to improved health, reduced drudgery, and enhanced dignity. * **Action Required**: Gram Panchayats and VWSCs must ensure adequate in-village operation and maintenance mechanisms are established and participate in the commissioning and handover of schemes. **Women and Girl Children** * **Impact**: Will experience significant reduction in drudgery, improved health and hygiene, enhanced dignity, and greater opportunities for education and livelihood activities. * **Action Required**: No specific action is detailed for them, but they are recognized as principal beneficiaries. **Gram Panchayats (GPs) and Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs)** * **Impact**: Will be central to the commissioning and formal handover of schemes, and responsible for certifying "Har Ghar Jal" status. * **Action Required**: Must certify completion of works and ensure establishment of adequate in-village operation and maintenance mechanisms. They will be involved in the commissioning and formal handover of schemes through "Jal Arpan". **State Governments/UTs** * **Impact**: Will be responsible for ensuring the establishment of adequate in-village operation and maintenance mechanisms and for provisioning tap water connections. * **Action Required**: Need to enter into separate MoUs with the Centre to ensure adherence to timelines, scheme sustainability, and delivery of citizen-centric water services. They must establish in-village operation and maintenance mechanisms. **Government of India (Ministry of Jal Shakti and other Departments)** * **Impact**: Will oversee the implementation of JJM 2.0, including the digital framework, financial assistance, and strategic convergence. * **Action Required**: To institute the "Sujalam Bharat" digital framework, provide central assistance, and ensure strategic convergence among various departments for sustainable operation and maintenance.

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