Jaipur: Rajasthan has become the first state in the country to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the revised Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 framework, marking a key step toward strengthening rural water supply systems.
The agreement was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Union Minister C.R. Paatil and Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, officials said.
The Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide safe and reliable tap water connections to every household under the “Har Ghar Jal” vision. The updated 2.0 guidelines focus on improving infrastructure, particularly in rural and remote areas, while ensuring transparency, accountability, and timely delivery of services.
According to officials, the MoU outlines measures to strengthen water supply networks and enhance access to potable water across the state. The initiative is expected to address challenges related to water availability and distribution in regions that have historically faced scarcity.
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said the programme would contribute significantly to improving living standards. He highlighted that access to household tap connections would reduce the burden of water collection, especially for women in rural areas.
The Chief Minister also noted that Rajasthan’s per capita income has crossed Rs 2 lakh, indicating broader economic progress in the state. He said initiatives such as Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 are aligned with efforts to enhance quality of life and infrastructure development.
The agreement also supports long-term water security through integration with major water-related projects in the state. These include the Indira Gandhi Canal, the Yamuna Water Agreement, and other key initiatives aimed at ensuring sustainable water resources.
Officials said the revised framework emphasises not only expansion of infrastructure but also efficient management and monitoring systems. The focus is on maintaining consistent supply, ensuring water quality, and strengthening institutional mechanisms.
The Jal Jeevan Mission, launched to address drinking water needs across India, has been a central component of efforts to improve rural infrastructure. The updated 2.0 phase builds on earlier progress and introduces additional measures to enhance service delivery and sustainability.
By becoming the first state to sign the MoU under the revised guidelines, Rajasthan has taken an early step in implementing the next phase of the programme. Authorities indicated that the agreement would help accelerate ongoing projects and facilitate better coordination between central and state agencies.
The initiative is expected to benefit households across the state by ensuring access to safe drinking water, particularly in areas where water scarcity has been a longstanding concern.
Further implementation measures are likely to be rolled out as part of the programme, with officials focusing on achieving full coverage under the “Har Ghar Jal” mission in the coming years.
