THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, June 2: Jharkhand and the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0, aimed at accelerating the implementation of rural drinking water projects and expanding tap water coverage across the state.
The MoU signing ceremony was held in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, while Chief Minister Hemant Soren participated virtually from the Jharkhand Secretariat.
Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti V. Somanna, Jharkhand Drinking Water and Sanitation Minister Yogendra Prasad, senior officials of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the National Jal Jeevan Mission (NJJM), and the Jharkhand government were also present.
‘Tap Water to Every Household’
Addressing the event, Soren said the agreement would play a key role in achieving the objective of providing tap water to every household under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
He said the Jharkhand government was working in mission mode to ensure the benefits of the scheme reach every village and household across the state.
“The Government of Jharkhand is continuously coordinating with the Centre to accelerate the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission projects and fulfil the resolve of providing tap water to every home,” Soren said.
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Seeks Release of Pending Funds
The Chief Minister informed the Centre that drinking water projects worth ₹24,635 crore have been under implementation in Jharkhand since 2019-20 under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
He said while nearly 55 per cent of the projects have been completed, only about 46 per cent of the corresponding central assistance has been released.
Soren urged the Centre to release pending financial support of around ₹6,500 crore and ensure timely disbursement of funds for 2024-25 and 2025-26.
NOC Delays Affecting Projects
The Chief Minister highlighted challenges arising from Jharkhand’s geographical conditions, noting that many rural settlements are located in forested areas.
He said delays in obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from various agencies, including central institutions and infrastructure authorities, were affecting project execution.
Soren sought greater coordination between the Centre and the state to resolve such issues and ensure timely completion of drinking water schemes.
Support Sought for Jal Sahiyas
The Chief Minister said the state has deployed nearly 30,000 Jal Sahiyas to support the operation and maintenance of rural drinking water systems.
He requested financial assistance from the Centre towards the honorarium paid to Jal Sahiyas and sought the inclusion of a dedicated Jal Sahiya component under Jal Jeevan Mission.
Key Decisions Taken
During the meeting, several decisions were discussed, including:
- Allocation of ₹2,500 crore for Jharkhand under JJM 2.0, subject to compliance with scheme guidelines.
- Active monitoring of Jal Jeevan Mission projects by Deputy Commissioners.
- High-level review of projects costing more than ₹100 crore.
- Recommendation that the post of Managing Director, JJM Jharkhand, be held by an officer of Joint Secretary rank.
- Review of project components involving inadmissible costs estimated at ₹1,400 crore.
The meeting concluded with a call for faster implementation of JJM 2.0 guidelines and timely completion of ongoing projects to ensure tap water connectivity for every rural household in Jharkhand.