Subscribe
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a newly designed Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) mobile application on October 2, 2021, Gandhi Jayanti. The app would enable anyone to fund provision of tap water in rural parts of India.
The prime minister also released the progress report of the JJM and a manual for the utilisation of the 15th Finance Commission grant for rural local bodies.
He released a framework for water quality monitoring and surveillance as well as a ‘margdarshika’ (guide) for Gram Panchayats and paani samitis (village water and sanitation committees under the JJM).
Modi virtually addressed about 330,000 members of paani samitis as part of the 152nd birthday celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi. He highlighted the importance of the JJM.
The JJM was launched in 2019 by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti to ensure 100 per cent functional tap water supply in rural areas by 2024.
The mission also ensures functionality of existing water supply systems and water connections; water quality monitoring and testing as well as sustainable agriculture.
It also ensures conjunctive use of conserved water; drinking water source augmentation, drinking water supply system, grey water treatment and its reuse.
“As on date, tap water supply has been provided in 772,000 (76 per cent) schools and 748,000 (67.5 per cent) anganwadi centres,” a government statement released October 1, 2021, said.
The provision of an assured tap water supply in homes relieved people, especially women and young girls, from the drudgery of fetching water over long distances, Modi said.
The newfound time could be used for income generation activities, improving tourism, learning new skills, supporting children’s education, etc.
The prime minister also highlighted that the JJM was a decentralised initiative driven by rural communities and women.
The JJM is managed by paani samitis to plan, implement, manage, operate and maintain village water supply systems.
These consist of 10-15 members, with at least 50 per cent women members and other members from self-help groups, accredited social and health workers, anganwadi teacher, etc.
The committees prepare a one-time village action plan, merging all available village resources. The plan is approved in a Gram Sabha before implementation.