NEW DELHI: The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), which aims to provide tap water connections to all rural households, has been extended till 2028 with an increased budget outlay, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced while presenting the Union Budget 2025-26 on Saturday.
80% rural households covered, 100% goal in sightSitharaman highlighted that 15 crore rural households—representing 80% of India's rural population—have already been provided with potable tap water connections. The extension aims to achieve 100% coverage while prioritizing quality infrastructure, sustainability, and citizen participation.
"To achieve universal coverage, I am pleased to announce the extension of this mission till 2028 with an enhanced total outlay," she said.
New focus: Infrastructure quality & local participationThe government is shifting focus from expansion to improving the quality of infrastructure and ensuring sustainable operation and maintenance (O&M) of rural piped water schemes. Sitharaman emphasized "jan bhagidari" (public participation) as a key element of this phase.
MoUs with states for sustainable water servicesTo ensure long-term water security, the Centre will sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with states and Union Territories (UTs), ensuring sustainable and citizen-centric water service delivery.
Initially, the Jal Jeevan Mission had a 2024 deadline for universal tap water coverage, but the extension underscores the government's commitment to improving accessibility, reliability, and sustainability of rural water supply systems.
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