The Government of India in partnership with States/UTs is implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) to provide functional tap water connections to every rural household (at 55 lpcd, BIS:10500 standard). Progress has been substantial: starting from 3.24 crore (16.71%) connections in August 2019, the number has surged to over 15.79 crore (81.57%) households as of January 29, 2026, providing water supply to the majority of rural India. As per data updated by States/UTs on IMIS portal till 31.12.2024, total 189 districts and 2,50,021 villages were reported “Har Ghar Jal”.

The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) is transforming rural lives by providing tap water. Assessments from global bodies highlight major positive outcomes. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that achieving the Mission's goals will save women 5.5 crore hours daily previously spent collecting water and prevent nearly 400,000 deaths from diarrheal diseases. Nobel laureate Prof. Michael Kremer suggests safe water coverage could reduce under-five child mortality by almost 30%. Furthermore, research by IIM Bangalore and the ILO projects significant job creation, estimating millions of person-years of direct and indirect employment through the Mission's implementation phases. These statistics underscore the profound health, social, and economic benefits of the JJM.

To encourage the community participation, the operational guideline for the implementation of JJM provide for constitution of a Village Water and Sanitation Committee (VWSC)/ Paani Samiti/ User Group, etc. to carry out the responsibilities of water supply management in the village. This Committee typically consists of 10-15 members including up to 25% elected panchayat members, 50% women, and the members from weaker section (SC/ ST) in proportion to their population out of the remaining 25%. Also a special initiative Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) under Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): Catch the rain (CTR) campaign has been launched on September 6, 2024, which aims to promote collaborative community-driven water conservation efforts and focuses on enhancing water management through low-cost, scientifically designed artificial recharge structures, ensuring active participation from local communities, industries, and other stakeholders.

Under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), States/UTs utilize up to 2% of annual funds for Water Quality Monitoring & Surveillance (WQM&S). This covers laboratory strengthening, community testing via Field Test Kits (FTKs), and training—with 24.80 lakh women already trained. As of January 28, 2026, India operates 2,868 testing laboratories, with 1,704 NABL accredited. To ensure transparency, the JJM Dashboard’s "Citizen Corner" provides public access to village-level water quality results and allows for grievance redressal, fostering community trust in local water supplies.

To accelerate the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), implementation includes saturation plans, regular reviews, and field visits for technical support. In the Union Budget 2025–26, the Finance Minister extended the mission to December 2028.

The information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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AMK

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