New Delhi, June 10 (APAC Media): In a major step towards strengthening rural water supply infrastructure and ensuring long-term sustainability under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0, the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, signed a reform-linked Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sikkim government.
The agreement aims to establish a Gram Panchayat-led, service-based, and community-centered model of rural water governance, aligned with the objectives of JJM 2.0. The initiative seeks to ensure regular access to safe and adequate drinking water for every rural household through enhanced community participation and sustainable management of water supply systems.
Focus on Sustainable Water Services
The MoU emphasizes structural reforms for the operation and maintenance of rural water supply infrastructure, promoting community ownership and long-term water security. The initiative is expected to improve living standards in rural areas while contributing to the national vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047.”
The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C.R. Patil, and Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.
Strengthening Planning and Monitoring
Patil urged the Sikkim government to strengthen district-level planning through District Improvement Plans based on Gram Panchayat water service assessments. He also called for the timely implementation of O&M policies, the creation of Sujal Gram IDs and Sujalam Bharat IDs, and continued adherence to mission guidelines to ensure reliable and sustainable rural water services.
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