High tap coverage under Jal Jeevan scheme, but lower usage, reliability

The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2019, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, represents a monumental effort by the Indian government to address one of the nation's most critical development challenges: providing safe and adequate drinking water to every rural household. The scheme's ambitious vision, dubbed 'Har Ghar Jal' (water to every household), aims to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) with assured supply of 55 litres per capita per day (LPCD) of potable water to every rural home by 2024. This initiative was born out of decades of struggle with water scarcity, waterborne diseases, and the disproportionate burden on women and girls who often had to trek long distances to fetch water. The recent report highlights a significant milestone: water now flows through taps in 83% of households under the JJM. This figure indicates a remarkable acceleration in infrastructure development and connectivity since the scheme's inception, when only about 17% of rural households had tap water connections. This achievement is a testament to the concerted efforts of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, which is the nodal ministry for the scheme, working in close coordination with state governments and local bodies. However, the report also brings to light critical implementation gaps and challenges, particularly concerning actual usage and, more gravely, water quality. It reveals that only 76% of households received water that met specified quality standards, including parameters for e-coli, faecal coliform, and pH levels. This disparity between 'coverage' (taps installed) and 'quality' (safe, potable water) is a crucial area of concern. Key stakeholders in the Jal Jeevan Mission include the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, which frames policies, provides financial assistance, and monitors progress. State Governments and Union Territories are pivotal in planning, executing, and operating the water supply systems, often through their respective Public Health Engineering Departments (PHEDs) or Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) departments. At the grassroots level, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), particularly Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) or Paani Samitis, are envisioned as critical actors. They are responsible for community mobilization, planning, implementation, operation, and maintenance (O&M) of the village water infrastructure, fostering a sense of ownership among beneficiaries. Local communities themselves are ultimate stakeholders, whose active participation ensures the sustainability and equitable distribution of water resources. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector also play a role in capacity building, technological solutions, and monitoring. This initiative holds immense significance for India. Firstly, from a public health perspective, access to safe drinking water is fundamental to preventing a host of waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery, which disproportionately affect rural populations and contribute to child mortality and morbidity. Improved water quality will significantly reduce the burden on public healthcare systems. Secondly, it has profound socio-economic implications. Reducing the time and effort spent fetching water, primarily by women and girls, frees them for education, economic activities, and other productive endeavors, thereby promoting gender equality and women's empowerment. This directly contributes to India's progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). Thirdly, it represents a significant push towards decentralized governance, as the scheme emphasizes community ownership and management, aligning with the spirit of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which devolved powers to Panchayati Raj Institutions, including the provision of drinking water (Entry 23 of the Eleventh Schedule). The right to safe drinking water, though not explicitly enumerated, is implicitly recognized as an integral part of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty guaranteed under **Article 21 of the Indian Constitution**. Various Supreme Court judgments have upheld this interpretation, making it a fundamental right. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts further empower local self-governments to manage water supply. The National Water Policy also guides water resource management, emphasizing the need for equitable access and quality. Historically, efforts to provide rural drinking water began soon after independence, with programs like the Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP) in 1972, which later evolved into the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) in 2009. While these schemes made progress, they often struggled with sustainability, community participation, and, critically, water quality. JJM represents a paradigm shift from a 'source-centric' approach to a 'service-delivery-centric' one, focusing on functionality, quantity, and quality of water at the household level. The future implications of the Jal Jeevan Mission are multifaceted. To truly achieve 'Har Ghar Jal', there needs to be a sustained focus on strengthening water quality surveillance systems, including regular testing at various levels (source, treatment, delivery point) and ensuring that results are publicly accessible. Capacity building for PRIs and VWSCs in O&M, water quality testing, and financial management is crucial. Furthermore, sustainable water resource management, including groundwater recharge, rainwater harvesting, and judicious use of water, will be paramount to ensure long-term availability. The success of JJM will not only transform rural lives but also set a benchmark for public service delivery and decentralized governance in India, requiring continuous monitoring, accountability, and adaptive policy measures to overcome the remaining challenges, especially those related to water quality and reliable supply.