The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation signed a reform-linked Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sikkim on Tuesday. Union Minister of Jal Shakti C R Patil, and Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang were present on the occasion.
The Ministry of Jal Shakti said that the MoU mandates a Gram Panchayat-led, service-based and community-centred model of rural water governance, aligned with the objectives of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0.
It seeks to ensure that every rural household receives drinking water in adequate quantity and prescribed quality on a regular basis through strengthened community participation and structural reforms for sustainable operation and maintenance of rural water supply systems.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Patil said that Jal Jeevan Mission has transformed rural drinking water supply across the country and reduced the ordeal of fetching water especially by women and girls. He appreciated the State for the progress achieved under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
The Minister also emphasised strengthening district-level planning through the preparation of District Improvement Plans based on Gram Panchayat-level water service assessments.