Context:
The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) is likely to face a 60% reduction in outlay, from ₹67,000 crore (Budget 2025–26) to ₹17,000 crore (Revised Estimates). The scheme’s proposed extension until 2028 is awaiting Cabinet approval.
Key Highlights:
- Budgetary Changes
- Budget 2025–26 allocation: ₹67,000 crore.
- Revised Estimate: ₹17,000 crore.
- Previous year (2024–25): Allocation reduced from ₹70,163 crore to ₹22,694 crore at RE stage.
- Scheme Overview
- Launched in August 2019.
- Target: Provide 55 litres per capita per day (lpcd) potable water.
- Goal: Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) to all rural households by 2024.
- 80% coverage reportedly achieved.
- Governance Issues
- Alleged irregularities in implementation.
- Mid-2025 inspections by over 100 officials.
- Additional cost implications of ₹16,839 crore due to revised guidelines.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)
- Centrally sponsored scheme under Ministry of Jal Shakti.
- Focus on rural drinking water supply.
- Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC)
- Assured tap water supply meeting quality and quantity norms.
- Revised Estimates (RE)
- Mid-year revision of budget allocation.
- lpcd Standard
- 55 litres per capita per day for rural drinking water supply.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Governance and Accountability
- Budget cuts linked to scrutiny over irregularities.
- Importance of financial prudence and monitoring.
- Rural Development Impact
- Drinking water access linked to:
- Public health
- Women’s empowerment
- Reduced drudgery
- SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
- Fiscal Considerations
- Budget rationalization amid competing priorities.
- Ensuring sustainable funding mechanisms.
- Challenges
- Infrastructure maintenance.
- Water quality concerns (fluoride, arsenic).
- Last-mile connectivity in remote areas.
- Way Forward
- Strengthen third-party audits and social audits.
- Ensure sustainable source development.
- Integrate with watershed and groundwater recharge programs.
- Timely Cabinet decision on extension.
UPSC Relevance:
GS 2 – Governance (Public Service Delivery)
GS 3 – Economy (Public Expenditure, Rural Infrastructure)
Prelims – Flagship Schemes