Reform Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 with four states: Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Nagaland and one Union Territory: Puducherry.
The MoUs mandate a service-based, community-centric rural water administration model led by Gram Panchayats.
The objective is to ensure every rural household receives adequate quantity and prescribed quality of drinking water regularly.
The initiative aims to strengthen public participation and bring structural reforms for sustainable operation and maintenance of rural water supply systems.
The signing ceremonies were conducted via online video conference in five separate scheduled meetings.
Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri C.R. Patil and Minister of State Shri V. Somanna were present virtually.
Chief Ministers of the respective states/UT were present: Shri Pema Khandu (Arunachal Pradesh), Shri Hemant Soren (Jharkhand), Shri C. Joseph Vijay (Tamil Nadu), Shri N. Rangasamy (Puducherry), Shri Neiphiu Rio (Nagaland).
Senior officials from the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) were present, including Secretary Shri Ashok K.K. Meena and NJJM Additional Secretary & Mission Director Shri Kamal Kishor Soan.
For Arunachal Pradesh: The MoU was signed by Joint Secretary (Water) DDWS Smt. Swati Meena Naik and Primary Health & Water Conservation Commissioner Shri Amjad Tak. The state's Primary Health & Water Conservation Minister Shri Mama Natung was also present.
For Jharkhand: The MoU was signed by Smt. Swati Meena Naik and Secretary, Drinking Water & Sanitation Department, Jharkhand Government Shri Abu Imran. The state's Drinking Water & Sanitation Minister Shri Yogendra Prasad was present.
For Tamil Nadu: The MoU was signed by Joint Secretary, NJJM Shri D. Senthel Pandian and Additional Chief Secretary, Municipal Administration & Water Supply Department, Tamil Nadu Government Shri Gagandeep Singh Bedi. It was handed over to Chief Resident Commissioner Smt. R. Jaya.
For Puducherry: The MoU was signed by Smt. Swati Meena Naik and Commissioner-cum-Secretary of PWD Puducherry Dr. A. Muthamma. It was exchanged by Joint Resident Commissioner of Puducherry Shri Ravi Deep Singh Chahar.
For Nagaland: The MoU was signed by Smt. Swati Meena Naik and Secretary & Mission Director (JJM) Nagaland Shri Zarenthung Ezung. It was exchanged by Smt. Sharon Longchari, Joint Resident Commissioner, Nagaland House. The state's PHED Minister Shri Jacob Zimomi was also present.
Union Minister Shri C.R. Patil emphasized priorities under JJM 2.0: maintaining built infrastructure, functionality of tap connections, water quality, water source sustainability, operation & maintenance, community ownership, and regular monitoring.
He stressed the need for water conservation, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, waste water management, water catchment area conservation, and community-based water quality monitoring.
For Arunachal Pradesh: The state's hilly terrain and heavy rainfall were noted. The state government is taking active steps through the Arunachal Pradesh Drinking Water Catchment Conservation & Management Act.
For Jharkhand: The state faces challenges of difficult terrain, laying pipelines through forest areas, and obtaining NOCs from NHAI and DVC work areas.
For Tamil Nadu: The state faces unique water resource challenges as it has no major perennial water source. Large-scale multi-village water supply schemes are essential.
For Puducherry: The UT received 'Har Ghar Jal' certification in 2021.
For Nagaland: The state aims to provide tap water connections to remaining households this year.
DDWS Secretary Shri Ashok K.K. Meena emphasized decentralization and community ownership, with Gram Panchayats and VWSCs being empowered to manage village water supply systems.
He stated that all District Collectors should regularly hold District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) meetings.
