The Union Government and the States of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha signed reform-linked memorandums of understanding under the Jal Jeevan Mission two point zero to advance sustainable rural drinking water service delivery. The events were led by the Union Minister of Jal Shakti, C. R. Patil, and were attended by senior central and state officials. The agreements commit both States to a structured reform framework emphasising transparency, community participation and accountable water governance.\n\nThe MoU with Andhra Pradesh was exchanged between the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation joint secretary Swati Meena Naik and the State’s special chief secretary and was endorsed by the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister. The Odisha MoU was signed by the joint secretary and the State commissioner cum secretary for panchayati raj and rural drinking water and was exchanged by the State’s principal resident commissioner. The ceremonies combined physical and virtual participation and marked a key step in centre-state collaboration.\n\nThe reform agenda under JJM two point zero prioritises addressing gaps in existing infrastructure, completing remaining household connections and ensuring reliable supply systems through formal handover of schemes to communities. It seeks to strengthen community-led operation and maintenance, enhance water use efficiency including pipeline supply for agriculture and promote source sustainability through Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari. The minister highlighted capacity building for community managers and training of women in water quality testing using field test kits, and noted that the mission has freed nearly 90 million (90 mn) women from the burden of fetching water.\n\nOdisha officials outlined steps for asset strengthening, digital integration on the Sujal Bharat platform and unique Sujal Gram identifiers to improve monitoring and accountability, alongside citizen-centric services such as the Basudha helpline. Both States committed to regular reviews with district collectors to accelerate implementation and ensure timely utilisation of funds while seeking continued central support. The reform-linked MoUs aim to provide every rural household with adequate and safe drinking water on a regular basis, contributing to long-term water security and the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.