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Jal Jeevan Mission Shifts to Community-Owned Water Systems

The Jal Jeevan Mission is transitioning to a community-owned and managed model for rural water service delivery. Officials emphasized the critical role of District Collectors in systematically handing over schemes to Gram Panchayats. The mission's next phase will prioritize saturating single-village schemes and using solar infrastructure. The 'Peyjal Samvad' serves as a key platform for districts to share best practices and innovative ideas.

Key Points: Community Role Key for Jal Jeevan Mission's Next Phase

  • Transition to community-owned water services
  • District Collectors' pivotal role
  • Handover schemes to Gram Panchayats
  • Focus on single-village scheme saturation
  • Platform for peer learning and best practices
2 min read

Community's role in rural water delivery stressed at District Collectors' 'Peyjal Samvad'​

Officials stress community ownership for sustainable rural water delivery under Jal Jeevan Mission, highlighting the role of District Collectors and Gram Panchayats.

"community ownership and management of water service is central to strengthening long‑term functionality and quality - Ashok K. K. Meena"

New Delhi, Feb 17

Har Ghar Jal under the Jal Jeevan Mission has entered a crucial phase of transitioning towards community‑owned and managed rural water service delivery, Ashok K. K. Meena, Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, said on Tuesday.

Addressing the 6th edition of the District Collectors' 'Peyjal Samvad', Meena said community ownership and management of water service is central to strengthening long‑term functionality and quality.​

The event brought together senior officials, district administrations, and sector experts to deliberate on strengthening the implementation of Har Ghar Jal under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).​

Underscoring the pivotal role of District Collectors, Meena stressed the importance of systematic handover of schemes to Gram Panchayats, in line with constitutional provisions, and the need to ensure that communities assume full ownership of operations and maintenance.​

Referring to encouraging examples from various States, including 24x7 systems successfully managed by Gram Panchayats and strong leadership demonstrated by women Sarpanches, he said that these models reflect the growing strength of local governance in the water sector.​

He said the forthcoming extension of Jal Jeevan Mission will prioritise saturation of single‑village schemes, expansion of solar‑based infrastructure, comprehensive asset mapping through PM Gati Shakti, creation of a unified scheme database, and financial reconciliation to enhance transparency.​

Meena urged all districts to accelerate scheme handovers, strengthen community‑led processes under Rajya Jal Utsav and Lok Jal Utsav, and intensify efforts to ensure sustainable service delivery, reaffirming the commitment to achieving the vision of safe, adequate drinking water for every rural household.​

Deputy Secretary, National Jal Jeevan Mission, Ankita Chakraborty, congratulated the districts whose initiatives were selected for presentation, noting that their efforts are contributing to a growing national repository of best practices in rural water service delivery.​

She highlighted that the Samvad serves as a platform for peer learning and exchange of innovative ideas, underscoring that districts are the fulcrum where policies translate into outcomes and community-led approaches shape sustainable systems.​

Referring to the days' focus on Jal Utsav-Jal Mahotsav, she emphasised the shift towards community-owned and managed rural water services, and the pivotal role of district leadership in ensuring service quality, convergence, and citizen engagement.​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see emphasis on women Sarpanches! In many villages, women are the primary managers of household water. Their leadership in the Panchayat can transform water security. Hope this model is replicated everywhere.
R
Rahul R
The focus on solar-based infrastructure is crucial for remote areas. But the handover to Gram Panchayats must come with proper training and a clear maintenance fund. Otherwise, it's just passing the buck. Hope they have a solid plan for that.
A
Anjali F
Jal Jeevan Mission is a game-changer. In our district, the 'Lok Jal Utsav' really helped create awareness. When the community feels it's their own asset, they protect it. More such dialogues at the district level are needed.
D
David E
Working in the development sector here, I've seen the challenges. Community ownership is key for sustainability, but it requires consistent capacity building. The peer learning platform mentioned is a great step. Sharing best practices can prevent reinventing the wheel.
K
Karthik V
Transparency through asset mapping and a unified database is welcome. In many states, there is no record of existing water assets. This will help in proper planning and prevent corruption. Hope they execute it well on the ground.

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