Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0: Cabinet approves extension till December 2028, outlay of Rs 8.7 lakh crore

Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 Scheme Extended by Two Years: The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 scheme by 2 years to December 2028. Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cabinet also approved an outlay of Rs 8.7 lakh crore (approx.) for the scheme. According to the PIB release, the Centre has approved the proposal "to restructure and reorient the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) from infrastructure creation to a service delivery, supported by drinking water governance and institutional ecosystem for sustainable rural piped potable water supply."

Higher Budget Allocation for Structural Reforms

For restructuring of JJM with a focus on structural reforms, the Cabinet has approved increasing the total outlay to Rs 8.69 lakh crore with total central assistance of Rs 3.59 lakh crore, higher than Rs 2.08 lakh crore approved in 2019-20. This means an additional central share of Rs 1.51 lakh crore has been allocated for the programme.

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Digital Framework ‘Sujalam Bharat’ to Track Water Supply

To support the mission, a uniform national digital framework named "Sujalam Bharat" will be instituted. Under this framework, every village will be assigned a unique Sujal Gaon or Service Area ID. This will digitally map the complete drinking water supply system, from the water source to household taps.

Role of Gram Panchayats in Ensuring Transparency

For ensuring transparency and accountability, the government will involve Gram Panchayats (GPs) and Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) in the commissioning and formal handover of schemes through an initiative called "Jal Arpan".

A Gram Panchayat shall certify completion of works and declare itself “Har Ghar Jal” only upon confirmation that adequate in-village operation and maintenance mechanisms have been established by the State Government.

Community Participation Through 'Jal Utsav'

Recognising that community ownership and participation are critical for operational efficiency and source sustainability, the programme will promote "Jal Utsav" as an annual, community-led maintenance and review event. This initiative will integrate local cultural ethos ​​while strengthening collective responsibility for a safe drinking water future.

Major Progress in Rural Tap Water Connections

From the baseline of 3.23 crore (17 per cent) rural households with tap water connections in 2019, so far, more than 12.56 crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections under JJM. At present, out of 19.36 crore rural households identified by the States/UTs in the country, around 15.80 crore (81.61 per cent) households are reported to have tap water connections as on date.

Economic and Social Impact of the Mission

Beyond the physical achievements, the impacts of JJM have been assessed by reputed national and international institutions/ individuals. SBI Research reported that JJM has freed 9 crore women from fetching water, enabling greater participation in other economic activities. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated reduction in women drudgery by saving of 5.5 crore hours daily, prevention of 400,000 diarrheal deaths, and savings of 14 million Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). Nobel laureate Prof. Michael Kremer estimated a potential of 30% reduction in under-five mortality, saving 1,36,000 lives annually; IIM Bangalore & International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimated generation of 59.9 lakh direct and 2.2 crore indirect person-years of potential employment, strengthening rural livelihoods through JJM. Women and the girl child have emerged as the principal beneficiaries of this intervention, with substantial gains in terms of reduced drudgery, improved health and hygiene, enhanced dignity, and greater opportunities for education and livelihood activities.