Since August 2019, the Government of India, in partnership with States and Union Territories including Rajasthan, has been implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) to provide every rural household with a functional tap water connection. As drinking water is a State subject, the planning, approval, implementation and operation and maintenance of rural water supply schemes fall under State and UT governments, while the Centre supports these efforts with technical and financial assistance.

Under JJM’s operational guidelines, 30 per cent weightage is assigned to difficult terrains when allocating funds, ensuring priority for regions covered under the Desert Development Programme and the Drought Prone Area Programme. This approach aims to accelerate piped water supply in geographies that face greater implementation challenges.

To achieve universal coverage with durable and citizen-centric water services, the Finance Minister announced in the 2025 Budget an extension of JJM until 2028, accompanied by an enhanced total outlay. The extended period will focus on the quality of infrastructure and improved operations and maintenance for long-term sustainability.

A series of measures have been adopted to expedite JJM implementation nationwide. These include joint reviews, finalisation of saturation plans and annual action plans, regular monitoring, capacity-building programmes, workshops, field visits by multidisciplinary teams and intensive technical support. A comprehensive digital monitoring system has also been established through the JJM Integrated Management Information System and the JJM Dashboard. Financial transparency has been strengthened through the Public Financial Management System.

The Department has also held review meetings with 729 District Collectors, District Magistrates and Collectors across India to assess progress at the district level. They have been encouraged to lead monitoring efforts via the District Water and Sanitation Mission dashboard and to resolve bottlenecks swiftly. Priority has been placed on improving coverage in Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group habitations, drought-prone areas, Aspirational Districts and other critical regions.

The information was provided by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri V. Somanna, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.