Reform-linked Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 with two States: Manipur and Bihar
The MoU mandates a Gram Panchayat-led, service-based and community-centred model of rural water governance
Objective: ensure every rural household has access to drinking water supply in adequate quantity and prescribed quality on regular basis
Focus on strengthened community participation (Jan water supply systems)
Aligned with national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047
For Manipur: MoU exchanged between D Senthil Pandiyan, Joint Secretary, NJJM, and Dr Neilinthang Teilien, Secretary to Chief Minister, Manipur
Signed in presence of Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C.R. Patil, Chief Minister of Manipur Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh, and Deputy Chief Minister (PHED) Manipur Shri Losii Dikho
For Bihar: MoU signed by Shri D Senthil Pandiyan, Joint Secretary, NJJM, and Shri Rajesh Kumar, Principal Secretary, PHE Department, Bihar
Signed in presence of Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C.R. Patil, Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary (Minister of State), and Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, Minister (PHE) Bihar
Senior officials present from Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS): Shri Ashok K.K. Meena (Secretary, DDWS), Shri Kamal Kishore Soan (Additional Secretary & Mission Director, National Jal Jeevan Mission), Joint secretary, and Director
JJM 2.0 focus areas: sustaining infrastructure created, functionality of tap connections, water quality, source sustainability, O&M, community ownership, regular monitoring
Emphasis on water conservation, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, catchment area protection using Finance Commission and VB-G RAM G funds
Bihar has achieved over 90% rural tap water coverage
Under JJM 2.0, 33 States/UTs out of 34 JJM States/UTs have already signed MoU with DDWS, Government of India
The MoU represents a strategic shift from primary focus on infrastructure creation to ensuring long-term, sustainable drinking water service delivery
Emphasis on service delivery, source sustainability, digital monitoring frameworks, policy reforms, sustainable funding mechanisms, and community participation
Bihar initiated 'Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal' programme in 2016 before Jal Jeevan Mission launch
Institutional mechanisms: District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) meetings to be conducted regularly by District Collectors
Village Action Plans preparation and certification of panchayats as capable institutions for managing rural water supply systems
