Jan 28: NEW DELHI: A minister-level policy dialogue on the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) was held in New Delhi yesterday, with a strong focus on ensuring the sustainable operation and maintenance (O&M) of rural drinking water services across the country.
Addressing the dialogue, Union Minister for Panchayati Raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh underlined the importance of a long-term and robust O&M framework led by Gram Panchayats. He stressed that the sustainability of rural drinking water systems depends on empowering local self-governments and ensuring they have the financial and administrative capacity to manage services effectively.
The Panchayati Raj Minister also called for operational and maintenance costs to be formally addressed by the 16th Finance Commission. He noted that predictable and adequate funding support is critical for Gram Panchayats to maintain water infrastructure and deliver uninterrupted drinking water services to rural households.
Union Minister for Jal Shakti C.R. Patil highlighted the core principles of sustainability, accountability and financial discipline under the Jal Jeevan Mission. He announced that future releases of central funds to states will be linked to clearly defined performance benchmarks and compliance mechanisms.
According to the Minister, fund disbursal will be conditional upon the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), the assignment of unique scheme identification numbers, and verifiable proof of at least 15 days of continuous water supply. These measures aim to strengthen transparency, ensure service reliability and promote responsible use of public funds.
The policy dialogue reaffirmed that drinking water governance under the Jal Jeevan Mission is firmly aligned with India’s constitutional and administrative framework. It emphasised that Gram Panchayats and community-based institutions are central to the long-term delivery of rural drinking water services.
Participants noted that placing communities at the heart of water governance not only enhances accountability but also fosters local ownership, leading to better maintenance and sustainability of water assets. The dialogue also highlighted the need for capacity building, community participation and digital monitoring to support effective service delivery.
The Jal Jeevan Mission, one of India’s flagship programmes, aims to provide functional household tap connections to all rural households. The outcomes of the policy dialogue are expected to strengthen the mission’s focus on long-term sustainability, ensuring that water supply systems continue to function effectively well beyond the initial infrastructure rollout.
