Special Invitees with the Union Minister of Jal Shakti and Minister of State

On 27th January 2025, the Ministry of Jal Shakti organized a special programme at Palika Services Officer’s Institute (PSOI) Club, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, to honour 172 esteemed members of Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSC) along with spouse from 27 States and Union Territories, along with approximately 140 guest form National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG). These dedicated individuals were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the success of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), which has been a cornerstone of India’s efforts to provide safe and clean drinking water to every rural household. 

The event was graced by Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Patil, and Hon’ble Ministers of State, Shri V. Somanna & Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary. The VWSC members were seated in their respective State enclosures, creating a vibrant mosaic of grassroots representation. The Hon’ble Union Minister Shri C.R. Patil, along with Hon’ble Minister of State Shri V. Somanna and Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary, interacted with them individually, appreciating their contributions and inspiring them to further strengthen rural water governance.

The event also saw the launch of three significant publications by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti and Ministers of State along with other distinguished officials:

• Stories of Change – Highlighting success stories from Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
• Transformational Stories: Redefining Lives Through Water – Featuring inspiring narratives from rural communities.
• Peyjal: Jan Shakti ki Abhivyakti – Celebrating the role of VWSC members – the special invitees for their remarkable contributions in driving meaningful change at the grassroots level.

 Release of  Three Inspiring Books on Jal Jeevan Mission

The VWSC members were presented with mementos and certificates in recognition of their tireless efforts to improve rural water supply systems, promote community ownership, and advance the vision of Har Ghar Jal.

These VWSC members, accompanied by their spouses or guardians, arrived in New Delhi between 24th and 25th January as part of the approximately 10,000 special guests invited to the 76th Republic Day celebrations by the Ministry of Defence.

 

Arrival of Special Guests

Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth facilitated the VWSC members and Jal Sahiyas from Jharkhand, at a programme organized at his residence. He individually honoured each guest, acknowledging their contributions to nation-building and community empowerment.

 

Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth with Special Invitee from Jharkhand

 

The Special Guests were nominated by their respective States and Union Territories based on criteria set by DDWS, which included: 

• The number of certified villages and schemes successfully handed over to the community under the Jal Jeevan Mission. 
• Recognition of exemplary contributions by VWSC members or Pani Samitis from Har Ghar Jal-certified villages where the schemes have been successfully handed over to the community.

To ensure a smooth and coordinated experience, nodal officers from respective States/ UTs accompanied the VWSC members throughout their visit. 

On 25th January, they visited the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, gaining insights into India’s leadership journey and the nation's remarkable progress.

Special Guests at the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya

 

On 26th January, they had the privilege of witnessing the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path, which showcased India’s unity, cultural diversity, and strength under the theme “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas.” This experience was a source of immense pride and inspiration for the attendees.

Special Guests Seated for the 76^th Republic Day Celebrations

 

On 27th January, the day began with a tour of the Gandhi Smriti and Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra (RSK), where the invitees learned about India’s cleanliness movement and the life and values of Mahatma Gandhi. These visits provided both knowledge and motivation, further strengthening their commitment to improving rural water governance.

Special Guests at the Gandhi Smriti

 

Special Invitees at the Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra

 

Their visit concluded with a solemn and reflective tour of the National War Memorial in the afternoon, where they paid tribute to the sacrifices of India’s bravehearts.

 

Special Invitees at the National War Memorial and the iconic India Gate

 

This initiative by DDWS reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering communities and recognizing VWSC members as the backbone of Jal Jeevan Mission.

The Republic Day celebrations, combined with their recognition, served as both a tribute and an encouragement for VWSC members to continue their vital work in ensuring water security and sustainability in rural India. 

Senior officials from DDWS, including Shri Ashok Kumar Meena, Secretary – DDWS, and Shri Kamal Kishore Soan, Additional Secretary and Mission Director – National Jal Jeevan Mission, and Joint Secretary and Mission Director – Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen were also present.

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Dhanya Sanal K

Director

(Release ID: 2096805) Visitor Counter : 814