The Gujarat government has signed a new agreement with the Centre for the second phase of the Jal Jeevan Mission, focusing on enhancing rural drinking water supply systems. This agreement aims to ensure the sustainability and accessibility of drinking water facilities in rural areas under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0. The memorandum of understanding was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil.
Union Minister Patil and state Water Supply Minister Ishwarsinh Patel participated in the program through a video conference. Chief Minister Patel expressed the government’s commitment to providing clean drinking water to every part of the state, including remote areas. He highlighted the significance of the MoU in managing drinking water and improving rural life quality. Gujarat’s successful implementation of central schemes on a priority basis was emphasized, with the agreement under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 seen as a milestone in the state’s rural development.
The focus of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 is on strengthening infrastructure, ensuring regular water supply, and maintaining water system sustainability by 2028. The MoU emphasizes enhanced implementation, monitoring, and transparency of water supply schemes. It also stresses the importance of timely project completion, handover to village panchayats, and operation and maintenance systems. Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSC) will manage water at the village level, ensuring long-term security and sustainability of water sources.
The agreement also highlights the use of digital platforms like ‘Sujalam Bharat’ and ‘PM Gati Shakti’ for improved monitoring and transparency. Measures such as water quality testing, financial discipline, and human resource development through initiatives like ‘Nal Jal Mitra’ have been included. Public awareness campaigns such as ‘Jal Utsav’ will promote water conservation. The roles of the Centre and the state are clearly defined in the MoU, with the Centre responsible for guidance, funding, and monitoring, while the state will handle implementation, policy measures, and technical support.
