The northern state of Rajasthan recently made headlines for its appeal for increased central assistance to achieve the objectives of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). This program’s primary aim is to deliver a daily supply of 55 litres of water to each rural residence through Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) by the year 2024.
Jal Jeevan Mission: An Overview
The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) aims at both demand and supply-side management of water resources at local levels. It mandates the creation of local infrastructure, focusing on measures that ensure the sustainability of sources. These include initiatives like rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and waste water management for reuse. The hopeful outcome is to integrate these actions with other government programmes and schemes.
The mission emphasises a community-centric approach to water management, giving importance to Information, Education, and Communication as key elements in achieving its objectives. JJM seeks to generate public momentum, or jan andolan, towards making water management a priority for everyone.
Funding Pattern:
The financial responsibility for this scheme is divided between the Central and State governments. For Himalayan and North-Eastern States, the funds are shared in a 90:10 ratio, while a 50:50 pattern is followed for the rest of the states. For Union Territories, the Central government shoulders 100% of the costs. The Central government has recently published operational guidelines for the implementation of JJM.
Institutional Arrangement for Implementation:
For smooth implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission, a hierarchy of institutions have been proposed. These include National Jal Jeevan Mission at Central level, State Water and Sanitation Mission at State level, District Water and Sanitation Mission at the district level and Village Water Sanitation Committee at village level.
Each village is tasked with preparing a Village Action Plan (VAP) that includes three components: Water source and its maintenance, water supply, and greywater (domestic wastewater) management. This comprehensive plan ensures attention to all areas of water management, thereby ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of the mission.
Rajasthan’s Quest for More Assistance:
The recent news reveals Rajasthan’s call for greater central assistance aimed at achieving Jal Jeevan Mission’s objectives. This appeal demonstrates the state’s commitment towards water conservation and management, while also highlighting the necessity of adequate funding to ensure the success of such initiatives. The Central Government’s response to this request will significantly influence the mission’s impact and efficacy in Rajasthan and potentially other states.
This methodical and community oriented approach of the Jal Jeevan Mission, with Rajasthan as a case study, showcases how judicious planning and adequate funding can bring about significant improvements in the access to and management of water, particularly at rural levels.
