New Delhi: The Union Government on Tuesday signed reform-linked Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with Andhra Pradesh and Odisha under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0, reinforcing efforts to ensure sustainable and community-driven rural drinking water supply across the country.
The agreements were formalised in the presence of Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil at the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, with participation from senior central and state officials.
The MoU with Andhra Pradesh was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, while Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan joined the event virtually along with other officials. The agreement was exchanged between Joint Secretary (Water) Swati Meena Naik and Special Chief Secretary Shashi Bhushan Kumar.
“The state’s commitment to achieving universal tap water coverage under JJM 2.0, stating that Andhra Pradesh is fully prepared to accelerate implementation and ensure reliable drinking water for every household” CM Chandrababu Naidu said.
A similar agreement was signed with Odisha in the virtual presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and senior state leaders, including Rural Development Minister Rabi Narayan Naik. The MoU was signed between Swati Meena Naik and Girish S.N., Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department.
Addressing the gathering, Patil said that while a significant number of rural households have already been provided tap water connections under the mission, JJM 2.0 will focus on bridging gaps in infrastructure and ensuring long-term sustainability of water supply systems. He emphasised the need for regular operation and maintenance, community ownership, and formal handover of completed schemes to local bodies.
The Centre minister Patil noted that nearly nine crore women have been freed from the burden of fetching water, terming it a major step toward gender empowerment. He also stressed water conservation measures, including groundwater recharge and efficient usage practices, in line with the broader vision of a developed India.
Naidu reiterated Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to achieving universal household tap water coverage, stating that the extended timeline of the mission would help the state accelerate implementation and improve service delivery. He described the initiative as critical for improving public health and living standards in rural areas.
“Odisha is focusing on digital monitoring, financial sustainability, and citizen participation to strengthen implementation. He highlighted initiatives such as asset registration on digital platforms and grievance redressal systems to improve transparency and accountability” CM of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, said.
The reform-linked MoUs aim to ensure safe, adequate, and regular drinking water supply to rural households through community participation and structural reforms, contributing to long-term water security and improved quality of life.
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