Reform-linked memoranda of understanding were signed under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 with the five states of Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Goa after Union Cabinet approval on 10 March 2026. The agreements were exchanged during separate virtual meetings convened by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) with the Union Minister of Jal Shakti, C. R. Patil, joining each meeting. Senior central and state officials formalised commitments on service delivery, institutional reforms and community engagement. State water departments completed signatures to operationalise the agreed reform measures.

JJM 2.0 is presented as a reorientation towards assured supply, functionality and sustainability with strengthened community ownership and Gram Panchayat leadership. The National Jal Jeevan Mission (NJJM) and DDWS emphasised adherence to quality standards, transparency and accountability and reiterated a zero tolerance stance on corruption. State examples included Gujarat’s execution capacity, Haryana’s technology driven coordination, Himachal Pradesh’s terrain and climatic challenges and Chhattisgarh’s focus on lagging districts. Goa was noted for progress despite saline coastal conditions and for efforts to improve reliability and water quality.

The reform-linked MoUs require a service based, community centred governance model, with institutional measures for operation and maintenance and source sustainability. States committed to last mile connectivity, financial sustainability through local ownership and context specific designs for difficult terrain and freezing conditions. The DDWS indicated technical, institutional and capacity building support to enable gram panchayats to manage operations and levy user charges where appropriate. Central and state officials agreed to monitor functionality, water quality and sustained service levels.

The extension of Jal Jeevan Mission up to December 2028 with an enhanced financial outlay aims to provide a framework for long term reforms and reliable rural drinking water services. The agreements are intended to translate policy into outcomes that improve health, dignity and time use for rural households, particularly women. Implementation will focus on multi village schemes, recharge measures and strengthened monitoring to sustain assets and ensure equitable coverage. Continued centre-state partnership was underlined as central to achieving the national vision for water security towards 2047.