Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Paatil recently e-launched Jal Seva Aankalan, a digital drinking water service assessment tool for Gram Panchayats on the Jal Jeevan Mission portal. This tool aims to enhance service delivery and community ownership within the Jal Jeevan Mission, as per the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation. Minister Paatil highlighted the mission’s focus on providing sustainable drinking water services to rural households, emphasizing the importance of community involvement.
The Minister outlined the four key pillars of the Jal Jeevan Mission, including Political Will, People’s Participation, Stakeholder Collaboration, and Optimal Resource Use. He stressed the significance of Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation) in ensuring the long-term success of the Har Ghar Jal initiative. Through Jal Seva Aankalan, Gram Panchayats are empowered to manage their water supply systems and promote democratic decision-making through Gram Sabhas.
Emphasizing community participation and transparency, the Minister noted that these are crucial for the sustainability of rural drinking water systems. The new assessment tool is designed to identify service delivery gaps promptly and facilitate corrective actions in a timely manner. This tool signifies a shift towards sustained service delivery, with a focus on Gram Panchayats and village institutions playing a central role in assessing the quality and sustainability of drinking water supply.
