The Jal Jeevan Mission is not only transforming water access but also improving health and livelihoods. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that achieving JJM’s objectives will save women an astounding 5.5 crore hours daily previously spent collecting water and prevent nearly 400,000 diarrheal deaths. Nobel laureate Prof. Michael Kremer suggests that universal access to safe water could reduce under-five child mortality by almost 30%. Additionally, research by IIM Bangalore and the International Labour Organization (ILO) projects significant job creation through the Mission, generating millions of person-years of direct and indirect employment.
Community Participation and Governance
Community engagement forms the backbone of JJM’s operational framework. Villages establish Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) or Paani Samitis, typically comprising 10–15 members with 50% women representation, 25% elected panchayat members, and inclusion of SC/ST members proportionate to the population. The initiative ensures that local communities actively manage water supply, while fostering ownership and sustainability.
The Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) initiative under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain campaign (launched September 6, 2024) encourages collaborative water conservation. It promotes low-cost artificial recharge structures and scientifically designed local interventions, integrating participation from communities, industries, and stakeholders to optimize water management.
Water Quality Monitoring and Transparency
JJM dedicates up to 2% of annual funds to Water Quality Monitoring & Surveillance (WQM&S), covering laboratory strengthening, field test kits, and training. Over 24.80 lakh women have been trained in water testing. As of January 28, 2026, India operates 2,868 testing laboratories, with 1,704 accredited by NABL. Transparency is ensured through the JJM Dashboard’s “Citizen Corner”, providing public access to village-level water quality data and grievance redressal mechanisms, fostering community trust.
Implementation Strategy and Future Plans
Implementation under JJM includes saturation plans, regular reviews, and field visits for technical support. The Union Budget 2025–26 extended the Mission until December 2028, ensuring continued focus on rural water supply. This phased approach ensures robust planning, accountability, and scaling to cover remaining rural households.