SHILLONG, MAR 27: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Meghalaya government and the National Jal Jeevan Mission (NJJM), Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti on Friday for implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, setting a framework to extend functional household tap connections to every rural home in the state.
The signing ceremony was held in presence of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Union Minister for Jal Shakti CR Patil, who attended online.
Minister of State V Somanna, Secretary of Department of Drinking Water Sanitation Ashok KK Meena, Additional Secretary & Mission Director NJJM KK Soan along with other officials from the Ministry of Jal Shakti were also present.
From the Meghalaya government, the event was represented by Marcuise N. Marak, Minister, PHE Department; Pravin Bakshi, Commissioner & Secretary, PHE-cum-Mission Director, JJM, Meghalaya; R.S Nongbri, Chief Engineer, PHE, Meghalaya as witness and D. Shabong, Superintending Engineer, PHE, Meghalaya.
In his address, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma expressed gratitude for the signing of the MoU and underscored the State Government’s commitment to ensuring safe and sustainable drinking water access to every household under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
He thanked the Centre for its backing and said “the coverage had risen from among the lowest to 83% today.”
He urged continued support, adding, “We must ensure water for all, including balanced households.”
He highlighted the importance of a comprehensive water policy and emphasized ongoing efforts towards water source rejuvenation across the State.
He noted that challenges related to water sources are being addressed in a holistic manner, with a focus on sustainability and long-term impact.
The Chief Minister further stated that the state government is taking responsibility to resolve issues concerning water availability and management, particularly those linked to source sustainability, through coordinated planning and implementation.
Union Minister for Jal Shakti CR Patil, in his keynote address, stressed that unless drinking water reaches the last mile, the vision of the Prime Minister for a Viksit Bharat cannot be fully realised.
He stated that the Government of India has accorded priority to ensuring that programmes under the Jal Jeevan Mission are implemented in the right perspective, with a focus on efficiency and outcomes.
He further highlighted the importance of convergence with other schemes such as the G-RAM-G initiative and allied programmes to strengthen implementation and maximise impact on the ground.
This MoU signifies a renewed commitment and strengthened partnership between the Centre and the State for the effective implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0. The mission aims to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) to every rural household, ensuring access to safe, adequate, and sustainable drinking water.
The agreement lays down a clear framework outlining the roles, responsibilities, and collaborative efforts required from both the Central and State Governments to achieve the mission’s objectives within the stipulated timeline. It further emphasizes on policy, institutional and governance reforms, assets ownership, planning, financing and programme implementation, digital systems, data governance and monitoring, skilling of manpower, water quality surveillance, source sustainability, adherence to guidelines, communication and public confidence. The agreement also highlights the importance of avoiding cost and time overrun, mid-term evaluation of commitments, and establishing mechanisms for disputes resolution that may arise.
The signing of this MoU is expected to enhance coordination, improve service delivery, and accelerate progress towards achieving the vision of “Har Ghar Jal” in Meghalaya with timely and adequate flow of funds from the Central Government to the State, thereby strengthening implementation and ensuring a better quality of life for rural communities across the State.
The MoU under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 was successfully signed.
The Ministry is actively resolving issues faced by the State and has been highly cooperative. The State is also in the process of submitting its fund requirement in the revised format as prescribed.
By Our Reporter
