**Summary:**
The Ministry of Jal Shakti has issued a clarification refuting inaccurate media reports claiming that farmers will be charged for water usage under the "Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management (MCADWM) Scheme" within the Prime Minister Krishi Sinchayi Yojana (PMKSY). The Ministry emphasizes that the pilot project focuses on enhancing irrigation efficiency, equitable water distribution, and utilizing modern technology (pressurized pipelines, IoT, SCADA) for effective water management and transparency. No provision exists within the pilot project or directive from the Government of India to mandate water user charges for farmers. The decision to collect user charges from Water User Associations (WUAs) or beneficiaries rests solely with the respective State Governments, as agriculture and water are State subjects under the Constitution of India. The Ministry urges media outlets and stakeholders to verify facts to avoid misinformation and public confusion. Further information is available through Release ID: 2140317.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Jal Shakti: The central government ministry responsible for water resources, river development, and Ganga rejuvenation.
Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation: A department within the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management MCADWM Scheme: A scheme aimed at enhancing irrigation efficiency.
Prime Minister Krishi Sinchayi Yojana PMKSY: A government initiative under which the MCADWM scheme is being piloted.
Shri C.R. Patil: Honorable Minister of Jalshakti.
Constitution of India: The supreme law of India, which defines the powers of the Union and State governments.
Water User Associations WUAs: Associations of water users that may be involved in the collection of user charges.
Delhi: Location of PIB (Press Information Bureau)
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Rebuttal to Erroneous Media Reports Regarding
Water Charges for Farmers under MCAD Scheme
Posted On: 27 JUN 2025 10:32PM by PIB Delhi
It has come to the notice of the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation,
Ministry of Jal Shakti, that certain sections of the media have reported, inaccurately and misleadingly, that
farmers will now be required to pay charges for the use of water under a new scheme being piloted by the
Government of India.
The Ministry would like to categorically clarify that the pilot project in question pertains to the
"Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) Scheme under Prime
Minister Krishi Sinchayi Yojana (PMKSY). This initiative is aimed at enhancing irrigation efficiency,
ensuring equitable distribution of water, and promoting the use of modern technology such as pressurized
pipeline networks, IoT devices, and SCADA systems to ensure effective water management and transparency
in distribution.
There is absolutely no provision under this pilot project, nor any directive from the Government of India, to
necessarily impose user charges on farmers for water usage. During the recent press conference, this point
was raised multiple times by members of the media and was clearly clarified by Hon’ble Minister of Jalshakti
Shri C.R. Patil.
Further, it is emphasized that both ‘agriculture’ and ‘water’ are State subjects under the Constitution of India.
Accordingly, any decision regarding the collection of user charges—if at all—from Water User Associations
(WUAs) or beneficiaries of this scheme, shall rest solely with the respective State Governments implementing
the scheme.
The Ministry urges all stakeholders, including media outlets, to verify facts before publishing such reports,
which may create unnecessary panic or confusion among the farming community.
This clarification is being issued in the interest of transparency and to prevent the spread of misinformation.
***
Dhanya Sanal K
(Release ID: 2140317)