Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK :  The Jal Shakti Ministry has requested an additional ₹2.79 lakh crore for the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), India's flagship rural water supply initiative. This request comes amid concerns over the project's funding and its ability to meet the ambitious goal of providing functional household tap connections (FHTC) to all rural households by 2024.

Launched in August 2019, the JJM aims to provide 55 liters per capita per day (lpcd) of potable water to every rural household through individual household tap connections. The mission is a critical component of the government's efforts to improve rural sanitation and health standards.

In the Union Budget 2024-25, the Jal Shakti Ministry was allocated ₹98,418 crore, with ₹69,926 crore earmarked for the JJM. However, during the revised estimate (RE) stage, the allocation for JJM was significantly reduced to ₹22,694 crore, marking a 67.65% cut 

In light of the reduced allocation, the Jal Shakti Ministry has sought an additional ₹2.79 lakh crore to ensure the completion of the JJM's objectives. The funds are intended to cover the costs of infrastructure development, maintenance, and the expansion of water supply networks to underserved areas.

The request underscores the challenges faced by the government in balancing fiscal constraints with the need to invest in essential public services. While the mission has made significant progress, with over 14 crore rural households receiving tap water connections, the remaining households require substantial investment to achieve universal coverage.

If the additional funds are not approved, the JJM may face delays in meeting its targets. This could have adverse effects on public health, particularly in rural areas where access to clean drinking water is limited. Moreover, the shortfall in funding may hinder the development of necessary infrastructure, such as water treatment plants and distribution systems, essential for sustaining the mission's outcomes.

The government has acknowledged the importance of the JJM and is currently reviewing the funding request. Officials have indicated that while the additional funds are necessary, the allocation will be contingent upon available resources and competing priorities. The Ministry of Finance is expected to make a decision in the upcoming budgetary session.

The Jal Shakti Ministry's request for an additional ₹2.79 lakh crore highlights the financial challenges associated with large-scale infrastructure projects. As the government deliberates on the funding, the future of the JJM and its ability to provide universal access to safe drinking water in rural India remains uncertain. Stakeholders are hopeful that the necessary resources will be allocated to ensure the mission's success and its positive impact on rural communities.