Context:
• The Union government has mandated scrutiny of JJM projects above ₹100 crore amid concerns of cost inflation and irregularities.
Key Highlights:
- Government Initiative / Policy Details
• Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) aims:
• Provide 55 litres per capita per day (LPCD) potable water
• Ensure functional household tap connections (FHTC)
• Deadline extended to 2028 - Financial & Administrative Measures
• Additional ₹1.51 lakh crore approved (March 2026)
• Total outlay: ₹8.70 lakh crore
• Centre share: ₹3.59 lakh crore
• Projects > ₹100 crore to be vetted by CPHEEO - Compliance Conditions for States (JJM 2.0)
• Mandatory MoU with Centre
• Creation of Sujal Gaon IDs (digital mapping)
• Financial reconciliation mechanisms
• Notification of O&M policies - Governance & Accountability Issues
• Action taken (Nov 2025) against:
• Officials
• Contractors
• Third-party inspection agencies
• No central funding for retrofitting schemes - Implementation Status
• States like Uttar Pradesh & Maharashtra have signed MoUs
Relevant Prelims Points:
• Jal Jeevan Mission (2019):
• Implemented by Ministry of Jal Shakti
• CPHEEO:
• Technical wing for water supply and sanitation standards
• Sujal Gaon ID:
• Unique digital ID for water infrastructure tracking
• Operation & Maintenance (O&M):
• Ensures long-term sustainability of water systems
Relevant Mains Points:
• Governance challenges in large-scale schemes:
• Cost overruns
• Corruption risks
• Importance of digital monitoring & transparency
• Centre-State coordination in federal schemes
• Ensuring last-mile delivery of essential services
• Balancing infrastructure expansion with quality control
- Way Forward
• Strengthen audit and monitoring mechanisms
• Promote community participation (Gram Panchayats)
• Enhance data-driven governance (digital IDs, dashboards)
• Ensure capacity building at local levels
• Focus on sustainability and water conservation
UPSC Relevance:
• GS 2 – Governance, Welfare Schemes
• GS 3 – Economy (Public expenditure efficiency)
• Prelims – JJM features, institutions involved