Year End Review – Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti

Ministry of Jal Shakti

Posted On: 01 JAN 2025 3:17PM by PIB Delhi

About Swachh Bharat Mission – Grameen

Swachh Bharat Mission – Grameen (SBM-G), a centrally sponsored scheme, launched by Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on October 2, 2014, with an aim to make the country Open Defecation Free (ODF) by October 2, 2019, the 150^th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, by providing access to toilets to all the rural households in the country. As a result, by October 2019, all villages across the country, and consequently all 36 States/UTs, had declared themselves ODF and rural sanitation coverage increased from 39 percent in 2014 to 100 percent in 2019.

Having achieved the outcome of ODF, Phase-II of SBM (G) was launched in 2020 to ensure that no one is left behind in their pursuit for having Individual Household Toilets and proper waste management systems, making villages ODF Plus Model.

SBM-G Phase II Objectives:

The key objective of SBM(G) Phase II is to sustain the ODF status of villages and to improve the levels of cleanliness in rural areas through solid and liquid waste management activities, making all villages ODF Plus Model which includes: –

• ODF Sustainability
• Solid Waste Management
• Liquid Waste Management
• Visual Cleanliness

Key Highlights of 2024

• A remarkable 460% surge in ODF Plus villages, from 1 Lakh villages in December 2022 to over 5.61 Lakh ODF Plus Villages in December 2023
• The total programme outlay of SBM(G) Phase­ II is over Rs.1.40 lakh crore.

As per the SBM-G IMIS portal on Dec 24, 2024

• More than 11.77 crore Individual Household Latrines (IHHL) and 2.49 lakh Community Sanitary Complexes (CSC) have been constructed since October 2, 2014.
• 5,61,422 villages declared ODF Plus.
• 4,02,591 villages declared as ODF Plus Model 2,32,115 villages declared as ODF Plus Model Verified
• 4,75,210 villages have arrangements for Solid Waste Management
• 5,14,102 villages have arrangements for Liquid Waste Management
• Under GOBARdhan, more than 990 community Biogas Plants are functional
• 19,855 trainings have been conducted covering 112876 GPs. 30753 master trainers trained

SBM(G) dashboard is a dynamic platform designed to advance villages towards becoming ODF Plus Model with identified verification systems. Developed in collaboration with NIC, updated by States/UTs it empowers data-driven decision-making for a cleaner, healthier India. Click here – https://sbm.gov.in/sbmgdashboard/statesdashboard.aspx

• Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) campaign September 2024 was observed from 17^th September to 2nd October received participation from over 30 crore people.

• A study published in Nature (2024) revealed that India’s SBM program has contributed significantly to reducing infant and under-five mortality rates across the country – averting 60,000 – 70,000 infant lives annually. The study utilized a quasi-experimental design, providing robust evidence linking increased toilet access under SBM with improved child survival outcomes.

Light House Initiative

The Lighthouse Initiative was launched on 29^th July 2022 in collaboration with the with India Sanitation Coalition- FICCI (ISC- FICCI) to develop 209 Villages as Model ODF plus villages spread over in 76 GPs of 54 Blocks OF 45 Districts that would cover all components of ODF Plus and will serve as a learning lab. These would be providing guidance and inspiration to other blocks and villages to enable them to achieve ODF Plus status at speed and scale. During the year, the LHI program, transitioned from its successful Phase 1 into an ambitious Phase 2.  In Phase I the program witnessed the involvement of seven corporates and one development foundation across 15 state SBM-G missions.

In LHI Phase 1, out of 76 GPs, 73 GPs were declared as ODF Plus Model. Building on these successes, LHI Phase 2 was launched to scale up the learnings from Phase 1. Scheduled from July 2024 to March 2025, Phase 2 will expand to 43 blocks across 14 states, involving eight corporates. The initiative focusses on community action for SLWM, innovative communication and outreach strategies, and robust monitoring systems.  LHI Phase 2 is expected to establish sustainable O&M practices for SLWM assets through active community involvement, including women’s self-help groups (SHGs) and village water and sanitation committees (VWSCs).

Rural WASH Partners ‘Forum – SBMG and JJM

The Department of drinking water & Sanitation has set up a forum, where development partners along with sector partners can come forward, support, and work collaboratively with the Government of India and State/ UTs for the effective implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen). Twelve leading organizations have been designated as RWPF Thematic Lead Partners leading important thematic areas in WASH sector.

In the year, the partners supported in organizing 8 seminars across States/UTs and facilitating around 65 capacity building sessions and leading 6 assessment studies across national, state and district level. RWPF Partners played a proactive role in facilitating 32 training sessions at DDWS’s SPM Niwas that were attended by participants across India. RWPF partners participated in national consultative discussions sharing their valuable ideas and suggestions on the way forward for rural WASH. 

Celebrating Woman Changemakers as Special Guest to India’s 75^th Republic Day

On India’s 75^th Republic Day, DDWS-SBM-G hosted a two-day event celebrating the invaluable contributions of women change makers in rural sanitation. The first celebration was on January 25th, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan which was more than a gathering—it was milestone in recognizing and elevating the role of women in shaping a cleaner, healthier India. The event brought together over 475 women from 27 States/UTs in a vibrant dialogue with Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti, and Hon’ble Minister of State of Jal Shakti. The event was a platform not just for celebration but for meaningful policy discussions as the interactions focused on commemorating the achievements of women change makers, appreciating their relentless efforts in the sanitation sector, and providing an opportunity for insightful exchanges that could influence future policy directions.

Exhibition at Bharat Parv

As part of the 2024 Republic Day Celebrations, DDWS-SBMG, participated in the six-day mega event Bharat Parv organized by the Ministry of Tourism in the lawns and Gyan Path in front of Red Fort, Delhi from 26th to 31st January 2024. The DOWS pagoda displayed achievements of SBM Phase I and II and was inaugurated by safai karamcharis, with a view to honoring and appreciating their efforts.

Swachhata Green Leaf Rating

DDWS-SBMG in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism rolled out a ‘Swachhata Green Leaf Rating System’(SGLR) for all the hospitality facilities in the country. The SGLR system encourages hospitality owners to adopt better technologies for sanitation to make their facilities SGLR compliant to achieve Swachhata Green Rating from 1 leaf to 5 leaf. The program aligns with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s emphasis on providing world-class hygiene and sanitation facilities for tourist, marking a crucial step towards cleaner and more sustainable tourism practices. Bison Resorts, Madhai, in the heart of Narmadapuram, Madhya Pradesh was the first one to take a lead in obtaining the first Five Swachhata Green Leaf Rating Certificate of Recognition. SGLR nudges both tourists and businesses to adopt practices harmonious with nature, the SGLR program aims to develop an economically viable, responsible, and resilient tourism industry. As of today, 1682 hospitality facilities have been given the SGLR rating.

National Conference on Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission (G):

A National Conference on SBM-G and JJM was organized during 16-17, February 2024, at Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. It brought together a diverse array of stakeholders from States/UTs and was marked by the distinguished presence of Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister Jal Shakti, Uttar Pradesh, Hon’ble MP, Gorakhpur along with other eminent personalities including Secretary – Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, GOI, and Secretary – DDWS among others. The event covered critical aspects of Operation & Maintenance, Innovation, Collaboration and Sustainability. The conference provided a unique platform for cross-learning through detailed presentations on identified thematic areas, demonstrating the best practices implemented across the country.

The conference saw the release of five books –

1. Jal Jeevan Mission Compendium of Behavioural Best Practices
2. Behavior Change Communication Strategy
3. Swachhata Chronicles: Transformative Tales from India- Vol. II
4. ‘Swachhata Green Leaf Rating (SGLR)’ System
5. Compendium on Liquid Waste Management (LWM) Technologies

The Union Minister for Jal Shakti also launched ‘Citizen Corner’ on the dynamic dashboard of Jal Jeevan Mission. ‘Citizen Corner’ is a one-stop solution with an easy interface with real-time details on water quality of a village and all other water supply information at the click of a button and puts the ability to manage water quality and supply directly into the hands of the citizens.

Launch of Citizen Corner

https://ejalshakti.gov.in/jjm/citizen_corner/villageinformation.aspx

Swachh Gaon, Shudh Jal- Behtar Kal Campaign

DDWS joined forces with National STOP Diarrhoea Campaign and launched 2-month awareness campaign, ‘Swachh Gaon, Shudh Jal – Behtar Kal’ from 1st July 2024, to promote the use of safe water and sanitation practices at the village and panchayat level. The primary objective of the campaign was to contribute to the National STOP Diarrhoea Campaign’s goal of reducing childhood mortality due to diarrhoea and improving overall public health in rural India by also advocating for sustaining and achieving the Open Defecation Free Plus Model status in all villages in India towards a Sampoorna Swasth & Swachh Bharat.

India Water Week 2024 and International WASH Conference

DDWS organized the International WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Conference on the sidelines of the 8^th India Water Week held between 17th-19th September 2024, in New Delhi. The three-day gathering, centered on the theme ‘Sustaining Rural Water Supply’, and offered a platform for knowledge exchange, showcasing innovations, and sharing best practices aimed at addressing global WASH challenges, with a special focus on achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).

An International WASH Conference was organized as a part of the IWW which featured over 40 sessions (offline and online), 143 offline paper presentations, 43 online paper presentations, and 5 panel discussions, exploring a wide range of topics such as water quality, greywater management, community engagement, Information, Education and Behaviour Change Communication (IEC/BCC) initiatives, and climate change adaptation, among others. National Safe Water Dialogue and Digital Water Infrastructure were some important sessions. 

Swachhata Hi Seva 2024: (17 September- October 2)

DDWS -SBMG celebrated Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2024 campaign that was rolled out from September 17 to October 2, culminating on Swachh Bharat Diwas. The celebrations were initiated with a curtain raiser event on 13^th September. 2024 marked a significant milestone as SBM celebrates its tenth anniversary and the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign reaches its 7^th year. The theme for SHS 2024, “Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskar Swachhata”, was designed to reignite the spirit of collective action and citizen participation in cleanliness efforts across India, underpinned by three key pillars emphasizing a ‘whole of society’ approach workers.

As a part of SHS, Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Patil visited Chhattisgarh and Odisha with an objective to observe the progress and implementation of various sanitation and water conservation initiatives under the department. Union Minister for Jal Shakti addressed the media on the eve of the 10^th anniversary celebrations of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) on 1^st October, 2024 through a curtain raiser event.

SHS 2024 witnessed participation from the Honorable President and Vice President along with 42 Union Ministers, 10 Governors,20 Chief Ministers, over 149 MP’s, 18 State Ministers and over 933 MLA/MLCs. More than 30.68 lakhs events were planned as of 1^st October with participation from over 30 crore people. In addition, there were over 11K cyclothons, 16K Swachh Food Streets, over 79K Swachh Bharat Cultural Fests and over 71 lakh trees planted under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.

Swachh Bharat Diwas (2^nd October)

To mark the completion of 10 years of SBM, Hon’ble Prime Minister participated in the Swachh Bharat Diwas (SBD) 2024 held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. During the programme, the Hon’ble Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for several projects related to sanitation and cleanliness and set up of Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plant projects under GOBARdhan Scheme.

The event showcased India’s decade-long sanitation achievements and witnessed participation from local government bodies, women’s groups, youth organizations, and community leaders. SHS witnessed celebrity engagement with over 170 celebrities/influencers publishing content online.

The hashtags #10YearsOfSwachhBharat, #SBD2024, and #SHS2024 was trending on the X platform in India at 9:15 AM and remained in the trending list for more than 5 hours. During the campaign period, over 2000 articles were published in media across state and national channels.

DDWS hosted a visioning workshop on October 28^th that brought together experts and leaders to assess achievements and set the course for sustainable community engagement in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). The workshop focused on assessing progress while refining strategies for the future, with a keen emphasis on effective community engagement and it witnessed participation from key dignitaries and senior officials from DDWS and senior representatives from States/UTs.

Hamara Shauchalay: Hamara Samman

DDWS-SBMG launched the nationwide campaign “Hamara Shauchalay: Hamara Samman” (HSHS) (हमारा शौचालय: हमारा सम्मान). November 19, World Toilet Day that culminated on Human Rights Day, December 10, 2024, emphasizing the critical link between sanitation, human rights, and dignity. The campaign reaffirms India’s commitment to maintaining its Open Defecation Free (ODF) status while promoting behavioral change for cleaner, healthier communities. The HSHS campaign served as a timely call to action to sustain and build on the efforts being made in the SBM program. With a strong focus on vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls, this initiative underlines that toilets are more than infrastructure, they are foundational to dignity, equality, and public health aligned with the campaign tagline “शौचालय संवारें, जीवन निखारें”. During the 3-week program, the HSHS campaign mobilized over 38 lakh participants through more than 50,500 events nationwide. The campaign achieved significant milestones, including the assessment and functional improvement of over 1.54 lakh Community Sanitary Complexes (CSCs), covering more than 70 per cent of existing facilities, sanctioning of over 3.35 lakh IHHS sanctions and conducting of over 600 DWSM meetings.

SPM Niwas – Centre for Excellence for WASH (SBM and JJM)

DDWS’s SPM NIWAS, Kolkatta is committed towards becoming a prominent Center of Excellence under SBMG and JJM. Focus has been to position SPM NIWAS as a leading knowledge hub for students, professionals, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) practitioners and drive scalable, impactful solutions for sanitation and water management. During the year, approximately 40 trainings have been conducted on SBMG verticals that have received participation for national, state and district teams.

Under JJM, 35 trainings have been conducted over the course of 92 days, reaching over 1600 participants.

Minister Reviews: During the year, there have been SBMG program reviews of various states by the Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti North.

These states included all Northeastern States, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.

These reviews reaffirm the government’s commitment to advancing rural sanitation and empowering communities toward a Swachh and Swasth Bharat.

Swachhata Samachar

The monthly SBM-G newsletter “Swachhata Samachar” was launched in August 2022. In 2024, 12 newsletters were published, and these publications are a comprehensive repository, offering insights into the various initiatives, projects, and achievements at both state and national levels. They include details of state and district best practices, innovations, policy updates and events. In October, 2 volumes were developed.

To read the newsletter- click here: –

https://swachhbharatmission.ddws.gov.in/swachhata-samachar

Programme Funding under SBM (G) Phase-II

Under SBM(G), incentive of Rs.12000/- is provided for construction of individual household latrine (IHHL) to the eligible household ds the BPL household ds and identified Above Poverty Line (APL) household ds (SC/ST, Small and Marginal Farmers, Landless Labourers with Homestead, Physically Handicapped, and Women headed households)]. States have the flexibility to provide higher incentive amount by providing additional State share. Under the programme, financial assistance is a so provided to the Gram Panchayats for construction of Community Sanitary Complexes (CSCs) and creation of assets for SLWM in villages.

The fund sharing ratio between the Centre and the States is as under:

• 90:10 for 8 North Eastern States and 3 Himalayan States/UTs of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir

• 60:40 for other States for other UTs, 100% share is borne by the Centre

SBM(G) Phase-II components:

• Construction of IHHLs for any left out or newly emerged households

• Construction of CSC in villages on need basis

• SLWM – organic waste management, plastic waste management, greywater management and faecal sludge management Information, Education and Communication (IEC) and Capacity Building

Sanitation is a state subject as the programme is implemented through the State Government. Gol provides technical and financial support to the states to supplement their efforts to improve overall cleanliness in villages, by way of issuing programme guidelines, advisories, and grants-in-aid. The programme is designed as a novel model of convergence between different verticals of financing and various schemes of Government of India and State Governments. Apart from the funds being made available through the budgetary provisions for SBM(G) by the Centre and State Governments, funds are to be dovetailed from the 15th Finance Commission grants to Rural Local Bodies (RLBs), MGNREGS and revenue generation models, etc., particularly for solid and liquid waste management.

JAL JEEVAN MISSION

Key Highlights 2024

Jal Jeevan Mission Crosses Momentous Milestone of Providing Tap Water Connections To 14 Crore (72.71%) Rural Households as on 5th January 2024.

National Conference on Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission (G) was held on 16th – 17th February 2024 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

Key Themes for Deliberation include Innovation, Collaboration, Sustainability, O&M.

Launch of the Compendium of Behavioural Best Practices, Integrated Communications Strategy for Jal Jeevan Mission and ‘Citizen Corner’.

Jal Jeevan Mission achieves historic milestone of 15 crore Rural Tap Connections from just 3 crores, in a short span of 5 years as on 23rd July 2024.

Significant reduction in number of Arsenic and Fluoride affected habitations in last 5 years as on 5th August 2024.

Jal Utsav Campaign – An initiative by NITI Aayog and DDWS

The campaign ran from 6th November to 20th December 2024, in 20 Aspirational Districts/Blocks.

About Jal Jeevan Mission: Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in August 2019 by the Government of India, stands as a transformative initiative dedicated to providing safe and ample drinking water to all rural households. Over the past five years, this mission has achieved a significant milestone, reaching 15.30 Crore households with tap water connections and profoundly impacting rural communities.

At its core, the Jal Jeevan Mission operates on a decentralised and community-driven model, prioritising the active involvement of local communities. By encouraging community participation in planning, implementation, and maintenance, the Mission not only ensures the sustainability of water supply systems but also instills a sense of ownership and empowerment among the rural masses.

Funds Allocation for Jal Jeevan Mission

The estimated outlay of Jal Jeevan Mission under ‘Har Ghar Jal’ program is Rs. 3.6 Lakh Crore for the period of five years from 2019-2024. The 15^th Finance Commission has identified water supply and sanitation as a national priority and allocated funds of Rs. 2.36 lakh Crore to Rural Local Bodies/Panchayat Raj Institutions (RLBs/PRIs) for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26. Accordingly, 60% of the fund, i.e., Rs. 1.42 lakh crore provided as Tied Grants meant to be utilized exclusively for the drinking water, rainwater harvesting and sanitation & maintenance of open-defecation free (ODF) village. This huge investment in rural areas across the country is accelerating economic activities and boosting the rural economy, as well as creating employment opportunities in villages. This is a progressive step to ensure that villages have potable water supply with improved sanitation for transforming the villages into ‘WASH enlightened ‘ villages.

In 2024-25, so far, the Government of India has released Rs. 21,825.23 Crore to 25 eligible States for the implementation of `Jal Jeevan Mission in the financial year 2024-25.

The Central funds are released by the Government of India based on the utilization of available Central funds and matching State share. For online monitoring, Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) and JJM-Dashboard have been put in place. Provision has also been made for transparent online financial management through Public Financial Management System (PFMS).

The details of Central funds allocated, funds drawn, and funds utilization reported in the year 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 under JJM is as below:

(Amount in Rs. Crore)

Har Ghar Jal Certification

Once a village is declared as Har Ghar Jal, the Gram Panchayat of that village conducts a special Gram Sabha and passes a resolution with the concurrence of all the village members that all the households, schools, Anganwadi, and public institutions in their village have functional tap water connection and thus declare themselves as ‘Har Ghar Jal Certified. As on 26^th December 2024, 101 districts, 869 blocks, 78,291 panchayats, and 1,50,190 villages are ‘Har Ghar Jal’ certified i.e., all the households have access to tap water connection.

Source: https://ejalshakti.gov.in/jjmreport/JJMIndia.aspx

As on 26th December 2024

Coverage of potable tap water to JE-AES affected districts

The government of India accords priority to Japanese Encephalitis (JE)-Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) affected Districts to ensure potable tap water supply in all the households under Jal Jeevan Mission. In 61 districts affected with JE/AES across 5 states, tap water connection increased from 8 lakh (2.70%) to 2.40 crore (81.02%) households, resulting in improvement in the health profile of the rural population of these areas. (as on 26th December 2024)

Coverage of potable tap water in Aspirational districts

There are 112 Aspirational Districts of which 15 districts have provided 100% tap water connection to its rural households. Today, out of a total of 2.74 Crore households in Aspirational districts, 2.15 Crore households (78.22%) are getting water through taps which at the time of the launch was only 21.38 lakh (7.78%). (as on 26th December 2024)

Status of Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance

Ensuring water quality is one of the main objectives of the Jal Jeevan Mission. To ensure that the supplied water is of adequate quality, the program promotes regular testing of water samples at source and delivery points. There are a total of 2,161 water testing laboratories in the country. Of these, 1,569 are NABL accredited. Water quality testing labs of States/ UTs are now open for the public for testing water samples at nominal rates. In 2024-25, as of date, more than 56 lakh water samples have been tested in laboratories.

To promote women participation, at least five women in every village are being trained to use Field Test Kits (FTKs) for testing water quality at the village level. So far, more than 24.79 Lakh women have been trained in 5.07 lakh villages. During the FY 2024-25 as on 26^th December 2024, more than 79 lakh water samples have been tested using Field Test Kits (FTKs).

Source: JJM-IMIS

Jal Jeevan Samvad – Monthly Newsletter

Jal Jeevan Samvad, launched in October 2020, has become a cornerstone of communication for JJM. Each month, the newsletter adopts a unique theme, serving as a focal point for the stories, articles, and insights shared within its pages. This thematic approach ensures that the newsletter not only showcases progress but also deep dives into specific aspects of JJM, offering readers a well-rounded perspective on the Mission’s multifaceted journey.

The themes are carefully curated to align with pressing issues, seasonal contexts, or significant national and international observances. These themes guide the collection of stories and articles from the ground, highlighting success stories, innovative practices, and community-driven initiatives from across states and districts.

Each edition provides a platform for real stories from the grassroots, presenting the voices of those who have directly benefited from JJM. From individual households gaining access to clean drinking water to villages achieving the Har Ghar Jal certification, these stories underscore the transformational impact of the mission.

Beyond thematic stories, the newsletter serves as a repository of the month’s key events, news, and updates. It chronicles significant milestones achieved under JJM, policy developments, and the outcomes of meetings, workshops, and training sessions.

The newsletter is freely accessible to the public and can be read online, making it a transparent and inclusive medium for sharing knowledge and achievements. So far, total 50 newsletter has been published.

Link to access Jal Jeevan Samvad: https://jaljeevanmission.gov.in/jal-jeevan-samvad

Use of technologies for drinking water supply and water quality

Jal Jeevan Mission focuses on various technologies for the community-led implementation of (i) source sustainability measures such as aquifer recharge, rainwater harvesting, increased storage capacity of water bodies, reservoirs, de-silting, etc. to improve the lifespan of water supply systems (ii) water budgeting and audits (iii) operation and maintenance (iv) grey water management (v) water quality monitoring and surveillance (vi) pre-positioned emergency water supply kits to provide transitional services in camps (vii) solar based water supply schemes using solar energy are steps intended to reduce the carbon footprints (viii) the technologies like IoT for SCADA, remote sensing &GIS, design software has been used in building climate resilience through water accounting, water quality control, water use efficiency, water resource planning, and impact assessment. 32 innovative projects related to water are recommended by Technical Committee for water treatment, water quality & monitoring, IoT-based Battery Vehicles, and Software for the hydraulic design of water treatment plants in rural India.

NJJM also supports Research & Development projects in WASH. The Technical Committee has approved 8 R&D projects out which 7 projects are completed.

Capacity building through Key Resource Centers

 For building capacity and reorienting the different stakeholders, 99 reputed Governmental and non- Governmental academic institutions/ agencies/ firms/ organizations/ think tanks/ training institutions, etc. were engaged as Key Resource Centres (KRCs) till 31.03.2024. 59 training programmes have been organized for various stakeholders and around 2,292 persons trained on various aspects of drinking water under JJM from January – March, 2024.

Implementation Support Agencies (ISAs)

The States/ UTs are extending support to the Panchayats by engaging Implementation Support Agencies (ISAs) to facilitate constitution of VWSC, under participatory rural appraisal for community mobilization, support in preparing Village Action Plan and carry out activities post infrastructure construction. About 14,000 ISAs have been engaged, which are actively working in the field.

National WASH Experts

Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee National Institute of Water and Sanitation (SPM NIWAS) has been entrusted with the task of empanelment and deployment of National WASH Experts for ground truthing and technical assistance to States in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). So far 74 NWEs are empaneled. During the year, 174 teams have visited around 2,586 villages for ground truthing of the implementation work done under JJM. Based on the status of implementation of JJM, the NWEs are providing star ratings to villages and feedback to States in terms of progress of implementation of JJM in three categories namely Satisfactory, Satisfactory but improvement needed, and unsatisfactory, immediate action needed. The NWEs provide their feedback to concerned State authorities after the completion of the visit.

Sector Partners

To make water ‘everyone’s business, the mission strives to build partnerships and work together with various institutions/ individuals to achieve long-term drinking water security for all. 212 Voluntary Organizations (VOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Social service & charity organizations, and professionals/ individuals already working in the field of water are recognized as ‘Sector Partners’ in this ambitious program to address the challenges holistically. The Sector Partners are expected to work in coordination with RWPF Partners.

Professor Chairs and Centre of Excellence

Given the evolving objectives and requirements of the Mission, Jal Jeevan Mission – Professor Chairs have been established, with the guidelines to provide domain specific support to the National Jal Jeevan Mission and the State Water and Sanitation/ Rural Water Supply/ PHE Departments to achieve the objectives of the Jal Jeevan Mission as well as the Swachh Bharat Mission(G).

 To have wide consultations for an informed view on effective engagement of the national
programmes with academic institutions through the mechanism of the Professor Chairs, following five Professor Chairs have been set up as detailed in table below:

 Table 5: Five focus area and Institutes for hosting JJM – Professor Chair

DDWS has sanctioned ₹ 30.59 Crore for 5-year term of 5 JJM-Professor Chairs and released ₹ 8.60 Crore in two years of operationalization of office of JJM-Professor Chairs. The JJM-Professor Chairs are to undertake functions like training & capacity building, outreach & consultancy, academic programmes, research & innovation in their assigned focus area.

Skilling

JJM aims to train through State/UTs Skill Missions/Management Units, approximately 2.5 lakh youths. The objective of the multi-skilling Nal Jal Mitra Programme (NJMP) is to provide skill-based trainings to local persons from villages working as masons, mechanics, plumbers, pump operators, technicians, utility managers, and water testing laboratory in-charge, to equip them with a comprehensive set of skills & develop “Nal Jal Mitras”, so that they can function as scheme operators and are able to carry out minor repairs and maintenance, including preventive maintenance, of the piped water supply scheme(s) in their village. The course (Jal Vitaran Sanchalak- a NSQF level 4) has been designed to provide the trainees with a well-rounded education that encompasses both soft and technical skills in numbers across India which will provide them with a sustainable income through provision of these services in the Gram Panchayats. So far, 17  states/UTs have prepared their NJMP plans, 8  States/UTs have nominated over 23,821 candidates to train them as NJMs, 272  Training Centres (TCs) have been identified by 17 states/UTs, 11  States/UTs have opened their NJMP bank accounts, 6  states have issued work orders, 11 states/UTs have nominated 630  trainers for ToT to be conducted by the concerned Sector Skill Council and 15  states have conducted their first phase of ToT.

The objective of the Multi-Skilling Nal Jal Mitra Programme (NJMP) is to provide skill-based trainings to local persons from villages working as masons, mechanics, plumbers, pump operators, technicians, utility managers, and water testing laboratory in-charge, to equip them with a comprehensive set of skills & develop “Nal Jal Mitras” (NJMs), so that they can function as scheme operators and are able to carry out minor repairs and maintenance, including preventive maintenance, of the piped water supply scheme(s) in their village. 

A joint advisory between Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation and Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship was issued regarding implementation of Nal Jal Mitra Programme (NJMP) followed by the NJM Skilling Guidelines for guidance of the states along with the role of gram panchayats for selection, nomination, sponsorship and engagement of Nal Jal Mitras under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).

At least, 2,49,345 NJMs are expected to be trained by 15th August 2025.

Status of progress of NJMP (as on 27.12.2024)

• So far, 17 States/UTs have issued necessary directions for nomination of NJMs; 
• 17 States/UTs have initiated the NJM nomination process;
• 17 States/UTs have nominated over 23,821 candidates to train them as NJMs; 
• Approximately 2,000 candidates have successfully completed their training, while 7,221 candidates are currently undergoing the ‘Nal Jal Mitra Programme’.
• 272 Training Providers/ Training Centres (TP/TCs) have been identified across 17 States/UTs;
• 11 States/UTs have opened their NJMP bank accounts and 6 States have issued work orders;
• 17 States/UTs have nominated 630 trainers for ToT conducted by the concerned Sector Skill Council (Water Management and Plumbing Skill Council- WMPSC);
• 17 States have conducted their first phase of ToT and 3 states (Tripura, Uttarakhand, Karnataka – have transferred the funds and have started their NJMP training.
• The states/UTs that are yet to prepare the NJMP plans are Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Manipur, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Puducherry, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal.

Development of Nal Jal Seva potal – an IT Platform for Operation & Maintenance of Drinking Water Supply Schemes for GPs/ VWSCs – on pilot basis

The Nal Jal Seva Portal, introduced at the National Conference on Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) in Lucknow (16-17 Feb 24), is a transformative digital platform aimed at revolutionizing rural water supply management. It equips Gram Panchayats and Village Water and Sanitation Committees with advanced tools to streamline the collection of water charges, maintain accurate consumer records, and oversee the daily operations and maintenance of water schemes. The portal’s user-friendly interface is tailored for village-level use, while providing comprehensive dashboards for state-level administrators, ensuring ease of use with minimal training required.

Built on an open-source, microservices architecture, the portal is designed for flexibility and scalability, allowing for efficient handling of high transaction volumes. It features essential modules for managing connections, staff, billing, and expenses, all while facilitating real-time data access for improved decision-making. With its pilot phase underway in Assam and Ladakh, the Nal Jal Seva Portal promises to be a cornerstone in the governance of water supply, laying the foundation for sustainable water resource management across rural India.

Concise Handbook for Monitoring Water Quality of Piped Drinking Water Supply to Rural Households

In reference to the Chief Secretaries’ conference held in December 2023, it was decided to ensure the testing of both source and delivery points for chemical and bacteriological parameters to build confidence in the water being supplied.

In this context, a committee was constituted under the chairmanship of Shri Vikas Sheal (former Additional Secretary & Mission Director, National Jal Jeevan Mission, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation), with Shri Pradeep Singh, Director (Water Quality), DDWS, and other officials from DDWS, state officials, and stakeholders from organizations such as WaterAid and INREM foundation. The committee’s task was to develop a roadmap for water quality monitoring and surveillance, as well as to manage the dissemination of results to stakeholders, including rural households. Following extensive internal brainstorming and with the states and other stakeholders, and by incorporating modifications in line with the latest edition of the CPHEEO manual with some customization, a Concise Handbook for “Monitoring Water Quality of Piped Drinking Water Supply to Rural Households” has been developed.

Advanced Leadership Development Programme on Public Policy and Governance for the Civil Servants of FIPIC/IORA Countries

In the esteemed Advanced Leadership Development Programme on Public Policy and Governance for Civil Servants of FIPIC/IORA Countries, Shri Pradeep Singh, Director-NJJM delivered a compelling presentation on “Promoting Swachh Jal through Har Ghar Jal Yojana,” a pivotal component of the Jal Jeevan Mission on 10th August 2024. The presentation detailed the mission’s strategic framework, which includes the deployment of innovative technologies for water quality monitoring and the implementation of community-led initiatives to ensure sustainable water management. The presentation showcased the significant progress made, such as the expansion of household tap connections, and discussed the operational challenges, emphasizing the importance of financial sustainability and the development of robust Operations and Maintenance (O&M) practices. It also touched upon the broader social impacts of the mission, including improvements in public health, empowerment of women, and the promotion of gender equality. The insights provided a comprehensive overview of the policy’s effectiveness and its potential as a replicable model for public service delivery in the participating countries’ own water governance efforts.

Innovation Challenge to Develop Potable Device for Water Quality Testing

The National Jal Jeevan Mission, in a joint effort with Startup India, launched an Innovation Challenge in December 2020 to harness the creativity and technical expertise of startups and MSMEs in developing portable devices for instant, easy, and accurate household-level drinking water quality testing. This initiative aimed to find modular and cost-effective solutions to ensure the provision of clean drinking water, a cornerstone of public health.

Participants in the challenge received comprehensive support, including technical mentoring sessions, live demonstrations, and guidance on product development, validation, and compliance. Intellectual Property experts provided individualized mentoring, assisting with lab validations, field trials, and navigating the certification process. Commercial support was also offered, with business mentoring sessions focusing on business model design, investor relations, and market access strategies.

The successful conclusion of the challenge saw the incubation of selected startups and MSMEs with KIIT-TBI, culminating in three entities delivering certified, state lab validated, and field-tested digital and portable water quality testing devices. These innovators were further supported in listing their products on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) under a newly created category for Digital Water Quality Testers/Analyzers (Jal Jeevan Mission).

As a result, four startups and MSMEs—Elico, Cluix, Earthface Analytics, and Heuristic Devices—have made their products available on the GeM portal, enhancing their market reach and contributing to the mission’s goal of providing Swachh Jal to every household. This collaborative effort between the National Jal Jeevan Mission, Startup India, and various supporting organizations exemplifies the synergistic potential of public-private partnerships in driving innovation and addressing critical needs in public health infrastructure.

Functionality Assessment

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), launched by the Government of India in 2019, has the ambitious goal of providing every rural household with a functional household tap connection. The definition of functionality under JJM is comprehensive, requiring that each household tap connection delivers water that meets three key criteria: adequacy (at least 55 liters per capita per day), quality (conforming to BIS:10500 standards), and regularity (ensuring a continuous supply over the long term).

One of the central tenets of JJM is the rigorous monitoring and evaluation of the functionality of these tap connections. This is not only to ensure compliance with the mission’s objectives but also to maintain a high standard of service delivery. The guidelines of JJM explicitly earmark funds for third-party functionality assessments, as detailed in Point 7.1 (ii) of the guidelines. Furthermore, Chapter 11, which focuses on Monitoring & Evaluation, mandates that the Government of India will periodically conduct sample surveys to assess the functionality of household tap connections, as per Section 11.2 (Evaluation).

To date, the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation has conducted two comprehensive functionality assessments since the launch of JJM. These assessments have been invaluable in identifying service delivery gaps, tracking the level of service provided to households, and guiding policy and operational improvements in water delivery systems. The third functionality assessment is currently underway, with a robust sample of 22,869 villages selected through a methodologically sound approach known as Simple Random Sampling Without Replacement (SRSWOR). The fieldwork for this survey has been completed, and the process has now moved on to conducting interviews at the district and state levels to gather more nuanced insights.

The scale and scope of these surveys have progressively increased, reflecting the growing reach and deepening impact of the JJM:

•          The 2020-21 survey spanned 31 states, 704 districts, and 6,992 villages, directly engaging with 87,123 households to evaluate the functionality of their tap connections.

•          In 2022, the survey’s coverage expanded to include 33 states, 712 districts, and 13,299 villages, with a substantial increase in the number of households surveyed to 301,389.

•          The ongoing 2024 assessment has further broadened its scope to encompass 34 states, 761 districts, and 22,812 villages, involving 273,295 households in the evaluation process.

These functionality assessments are critical to the iterative process of improving the JJM. They provide the data and feedback necessary to refine strategies, allocate resources effectively, and ensure that the mission’s objectives are being met. The increasing number of households and villages covered in each subsequent survey demonstrates the government’s commitment to reaching every corner of rural India with clean and reliable water supply, ultimately contributing to the nation’s overall health, well-being, and socio-economic development.

PM Gati-Shakti

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) is a comprehensive initiative by the Government of India, dedicated to ensuring the provision of safe drinking water to every rural household. The mission focuses on delivering water that meets the necessary quantity, adheres to reliable quality standards, and is supplied consistently over the long term. A key aspect of JJM’s strategy is the integration of its infrastructure data with the PM GatiShakti portal, a move designed to enhance coordination with other infrastructure projects and optimize the implementation of drinking water schemes nationwide.

To date, an impressive 6.4 lakh kilometers of pipeline data have been uploaded to the portal. This includes 4.38 lakh kilometers from Bulk Water Supply and Multi Village Schemes, along with 2.02 lakh kilometers (as on 27th December 2024) from Single Village Schemes. Additionally, all geotagged point components such as Service Reservoirs, Water Treatment Plants (WTPs), and Chlorination systems have been meticulously cataloged on the portal.

Madhya Pradesh stands out with the highest number of schemes and an extensive pipeline network, demonstrating its commitment to improving water accessibility. Gujarat has made significant strides by uploading a considerable length of pipelines associated with Single Village Schemes. Assam follows closely with the second-longest pipeline network, while West Bengal boasts the second-highest number of schemes.

The data on the PM GatiShakti portal, detailing the infrastructure of JJM, including pipeline lengths and geotagged components, is invaluable for informed decision-making. It enables policymakers to strategically allocate resources, address areas with pressing demand, and enhance the efficiency of service delivery. With access to this data, policymakers are equipped to plan infrastructure projects more effectively, ensuring that the benefits of the Jal Jeevan Mission reach every corner of rural India and contribute to the nation’s goal of universal access to clean drinking water.

WaSH data on MoPR’s digital platform

The Ministry of Panchayat Raj has rolled out innovative digital platforms – the ‘egramswaraj portal’ and the ‘Meri Panchayat’ mobile application – to effectively monitor and manage services at the Gram Panchayat level. DDWS has resolved to integrate WASH Services into these two MoPR platforms. These platforms will host a dedicated WASH Services tab, featuring two primary service data categories: Water Supply Services and Sanitation Services. They will offer extensive information, both static and dynamic, regarding the assets and their operational and maintenance status.

The Water Supply Services section provides detailed static information, including Panchayat and Village Profiles, population statistics, connection details, Har Ghar Jal (HGJ) status, water supply infrastructure details, village-wise water quality status, and more. It also encompasses a comprehensive directory of functional entities such as GP members, Village Water and Sanitation Committee (VWSC) members, and maintenance staff, as well as data on water quality at the village level.

The Sanitation Services section will present information on ODF+ and ODF++ Model villages, villages with solid and liquid waste management systems, and specifics of community and household assets for solid and liquid waste management.

Future plans include the addition of dynamic information to these platforms, which will provide real-time updates on water availability and quality, citizen grievance records with photo uploads and geotagging, responses to these grievances, and contact details of operational staff.

This initiative by DDWS, under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, emphasizes the Indian Government’s dedication to improving WASH facilities in rural areas, making sure that progress is visible and accessible to all citizens.

2024 Events/ Conferences/ Meetings

National Symposium on Safe Water and Disinfection/ Chlorination initiatives

National Symposium on Safe Water and Disinfection/ Chlorination initiatives on February 2, 2024 was jointly organized by National Jal Jeevan Mission, Evidence Action and Development Innovations Lab (DIL) at SPM NIWAS, Kolkata. The symposium was held to seek inputs from States/ UTs on their experience in implementing Safe Water initiatives & strategies and the way forward to scale up the most effective and easier-to-operate solutions and models.

Launch of ‘101 glimpse of Women Power: Through the Prism of Jal Jeevan Mission’

The Union Minister of Jal Shakti launched the book ‘101 glimpse of Women Power: Through the Prism of Jal Jeevan Mission’ at the launch of the fifth edition of “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain” campaign on 9th March 2024, at the NDMC Convention Centre in New Delhi.

2-day Training workshop on IEC under JJM (21-22 May 2024 in Kolkata)

In May 2024, a comprehensive 2-day training workshop was organized IEC under JJM. The workshop brought together state representatives, experts, and stakeholders to enable the exchange of best practices, innovative ideas, and scalable solutions to enhance community participation and ownership in water-related initiatives.

Key highlights included:

• Showcasing IEC success stories through poster exhibitions and panel discussions.
• Interactive sessions focused on cultural diversity and water traditions across India, enriching the Jal Utsav campaign.
• Capacity-building activities like group discussions on challenges and strategies for effective IEC implementation.

The event culminated in actionable roadmaps for scaling IEC innovations and behaviour change communication strategies.

‘Stop Diarrhoea Campaign 2024’

Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation launched ‘STOP Diarrhoea Campaign’ to support onoing campaign of Health Ministry. The slogan for the year 2024 was: “Diarrhoea ki Roktham, Safai aur ORS se rakhen apna dhyaan“. This was observed countrywide for two months from Jully to August 2024.

Under this campaign, DDWS developed 8 weeks dedicated campaigns covering water & sanitation related issues.

Summary of Stop Diarrhoea Campaign

The event was inaugurated by the President of India, alongside Union Minister of Jal Shakti, and Minister of State. An International WASH Conference was organized as a part of the IWW which featured over 40 sessions (offline and online), 143 offline paper presentations, 43 online paper presentations, and 5 panel discussions, exploring a wide range of topics such as water quality, greywater management, community engagement, Information, Education and Behaviour Change Communication (IEC/BCC) initiatives, and climate change adaptation, among others. National Safe Water Dialogue, Digital Water Infrastructure, Water Disinfection Technologies by Evidence Action were some important sessions. 

National Level Consultative Workshop on Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Operations and Maintenance (O&M) at IIM Bangalore

The National Level Consultative Workshop on Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Operations and Maintenance (O&M) at IIM Bangalore, held on August 24, 2024, in collaboration with UNICEF, focused on enhancing the sustainability of rural water supply schemes. The workshop aimed to develop robust strategies for O&M, emphasizing the need for community involvement and innovative financial management to address the persistent challenges in water quality and infrastructure maintenance.

Despite its success, the mission faces hurdles in O&M and water quality, highlighting the need for community involvement and innovative financial management. States shared their experiences and strategies, revealing a diverse approach to O&M across the country. Technology played a key role in monitoring and managing water quality, with some states adopting IoT and SCADA systems, while others focused on digital transformation and GIS for asset management. Financial gaps between O&M costs and water tariffs were a common challenge, with states exploring revised tariffs, efficiency improvements, and the introduction of tariff systems to cover costs. The importance of shifting from groundwater to sustainable surface water sources was also discussed, alongside the need for robust O&M policies tailored to different types of water supply schemes.

The workshop highlighted the critical role of community-managed O&M, with local entities like Gram Panchayats and Village Water and Sanitation Committees being pivotal in day-to-day operations. Financing O&M through user fees, water tariffs, and corpus funds for major repairs was discussed, emphasizing capacity building and training for local communities. The session also underscored the necessity of state-level support for major repairs, water quality testing, and financial planning. A proposed Water Supply Monitoring App aims to enhance JJM’s effectiveness by allowing real-time tracking of water supply and service disruptions, thereby improving transparency and accountability. The workshop concluded with a consensus on the need to strengthen O&M, enhance community management, and build local capacity to ensure the sustainability of rural drinking water supply schemes.

Meeting with Women Members of the Zila Parishad

Shri Pradeep Singh, Director-NJJM, interacted with 21 women members of the Zila Parishad, Women & Child Development Department, District-Dhule, Maharashtra on 29th August 2024. They were introduced to the members to the JJM dashboard, Citizen’s Corner, etc.

Participation in All Weather Tap Water Supply in Higher Reaches of the Himalayas Workshop by NITI Aayog – 22-23 October 2024

During the first session on “India’s Water Supply: System, Challenges, and Innovations”, Shri Pradeep Singh, Director NJJM presented on National Overview of Rural Water Supply in India with a focus on Himalayan States.

DDWS signed MoU with J-PAL South Asia

Marking a significant milestone in enhancing drinking water and sanitation services in rural India, the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with J-PAL South Asia on 25th October 2024 at CGO Complex, New Delhi. 

The MoU was signed by Shri Y.K. Singh, Director, National Jal Jeevan Mission (NJJM), and Ms. Shobhini Mukerji, Executive Director, J-PAL South Asia, solidifying their collaboration to strengthen and innovate rural water and sanitation initiatives.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi celebrates the success of Jal Jeevan Mission on 78th Independence Day – 15 August 2024

Jal Utsav Campaign – An initiative by NITI Aayog and DDWS

The campaign ran from 6th November to 20th December 2024, in 20 Aspirational Districts/Blocks. It followed the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who proposed Jal Utsav in the 3rd Chief Secretaries Conference in December 2023, inspired by the Nadi Utsav.

Key Outcomes:

• 17,570 individuals pledged to adopt sustainable water practices. 
• 996 rainwater harvesting structures inventoried. 
• 16,810 students exposed to water management practices through exposure visits.
• Over 3,781 trees planted under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam. 
• 338 leakages identified and fixed, improving water distribution.
• 1,315 Jal Sampada Assets cleaned.
• 3,109 women trained for using FTKs for local drinking water schemes.
• 17,837 students participated in competitions (writing/painting/slogan)
• 6,383 people enrolled in Nal Jal Mitra Programme (NJMP)

Workshop on Springshed Management in the Brahmaputra River Basin 

The Workshop, held on November 12-13, 2024, in Guwahati, Assam, focused on sustainable management of spring water sources, vital for millions in India’s hilly regions. Organized by DDWS, it highlighted integrating traditional practices with technologies like GIS and the National Spring Information System (NSIS) for data-driven conservation. 

Key discussions included:

• Community involvement through ‘Janbhagidaari’ (people’s participation).
• Action points like source sustainability, continuous monitoring, and stakeholder partnerships. 
• Success stories from Meghalaya and Himachal Pradesh.

The workshop reinforced the need for collaborative efforts to ensure long-term water security and resilience against environmental challenges.

Meeting with Nobel Laureate Prof. Michael Kremer

The Secretary – DDWS engaged in a productive interaction with Nobel Laureate Prof. Michael Kremer and his team on 14th November 2024 at CGO Complex, New Delhi. The discussion focused on critical aspects of drinking water quality under JJM and explored the way forward for achieving sustainable solutions.

Foreign Delegates visit DDWS 

India’s achievements under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) attracted significant global attention in 2024, with several international delegations engaging directly with the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS): 

• February 2024: 35 journalists and editors from 19 Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries visited India to explore the transformative impact of JJM and India’s water sustainability initiatives. 
• March 2024: 20 journalists and editors from 13 Central European countries interacted with DDWS officials, focusing on India’s approaches to water and sanitation solutions.
• November 2024: A meeting with Danish expert delegation from Aarhus Municipality, Denmark, under the Chairpersonship of AS&MD- NJJM was held at DDWS office to discuss areas of sustainable drinking water supply, integrated water management, and wastewater as a resource.
• November 2024: 21 participants from 13 developing nations participated in a training programme conducted by NILERD, emphasizing India’s leadership in SDG-related water management and sanitation. 

These engagements reinforced India’s global role as a pioneer in sustainable development and a champion of collaborative efforts to achieve universal access to clean water and sanitation.

A Study by SBI

A recent study by the State Bank of India highlighted the transformative impact of JJM on rural India, particularly in advancing women’s socio-economic empowerment. It highlights how providing access to tap water has not only improved household convenience but has significantly reduced the deprivation index, enhancing the dignity and quality of life in rural India.

Notably, the research reflects on the profound impact on women, with reduced time spent fetching water enabling greater participation in education and economic activities. This change represents a social revolution, as women move from traditional roles to becoming key contributors to household and community development. Furthermore, the study correlates enhanced water access with better health outcomes and economic stability.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi acknowledged this significant finding in his tweet, recognising the Mission’s pivotal role in improving lives across rural communities, particularly of womenfolks.

Competitions – 2024

Har Ghar Jal Quiz

National Jal Jeevan Mission under Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, has initiated the prize disbursement process for the winners of the ‘Har Ghar Jal Quiz: Jal Ka Gyan Ab Hua Aasan Competition’ held on the My Gov portal. This initiative is part of the ongoing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) efforts to engage citizens in creating widespread awareness about the importance of ensuring access to clean drinking water for every rural household in India.

The MyGov competitions, received an overwhelming response from citizens across the country, reflecting their interest in and commitment to the Jal Jeevan Mission. The HGJ quiz competition, in particular, saw active participation of over 50,000+ encouraging people to deepen their understanding of water conservation and sanitation.

Following the selection process, on 7th June 2024, a list of 1,500 winners was published on the MyGov platform, which can be seen at blog.mygov.in/winner-announcement-for-har-ghar-jal-quiz-jal-ka-gyan-ab-hua-aasan/. To release the prize money to winners, DDWS has developed a dedicated portal to collect details for further disbursement of amount digitally. The Department has now released Rs. 2,000/- prize money to each of the HGJ Quiz winners who have submitted the details so far.

Tap Water – Safe Water: Awareness Challenge

Har Ghar Jal under DDWS, Ministry of Jal Shakti invited creative minds of India, to play a pivotal role in a special movement from 29 July to 30 October 2024. This was an opportunity to leave your mark on a multi-mode communication campaign on issues of water quality for themes such as Drinking from the tap and Chlorinated water that aims to create mass awareness in the rural population of India. The challenge was to break myths around tap water like:

Myth 1: Tap water is not safe to drink.

Myth 2: Tap water is not rich in minerals.

Myth 3: Tap water tastes bad because of its poor sanitary quality or chlorination used

Myth 4: Tap water has a high amount of TDS.

Myth 5: Tap water is stored water and it is not fresh.

In this challenge, participants have been asked to design a multi-mode communication campaign on issues of water quality for themes such as Drinking from the tap and Chlorinated water is safe. The multi-mode communication campaign to have a title, subtitle, theme, how you plan to reach people, through which medium, what kind of messages or creative we may develop or plan etc.

The best possible campaign design will be recognized and likely to be implemented. Your creative input will help shape the way our nation supports making a water-secure nation.

Global Accolades

Jal Jeevan Mission Lauded at UNESCO, Paris

During the Evaluation of the World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) at UNESCO, H.E. Mr. Vishal V. Sharma highlighted the remarkable achievements of Jal Jeevan Mission by the Government of India. 

He emphasized the progress made in ensuring universal access to clean drinking water and shared inspiring insights on the role of rural women using Field Testing Kits (FTKs) to ensure water quality. The innovative approach under JJM is a significant step towards achieving SDG-6: Clean Water and Sanitation for All.

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DSK

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