The decision is a major shift from a construction-centric approach to a focus on long-term, service-oriented, and community-driven management of water supply initiatives
Uttar Pradesh government said it has implemented a compulsory 10-year operations and maintenance (O&M) ‘warranty’ for rural drinking water schemes as part of the Jal Jeevan Mission. The government said this decision signifies a significant shift from a construction-centric approach to a focus on long-term, service-oriented, and community-driven management of water supply initiatives.
Additionally, the government has launched the ‘Jal Arpan’ initiative, which aims to empower villagers by transforming them from passive recipients into active participants, thereby granting them ownership, accountability, and leadership in the management of local water supply systems.
“This strategy guarantees sustainability while enhancing community involvement. Under the new framework, construction agencies will be accountable for the operation and maintenance of water supply infrastructure for a period of ten years. They will collaborate closely with Gram Panchayats, offering ongoing guidance and support to ensure the enduring success of the Har Ghar Jal or water-for-all initiative,” told Anurag Srivastava, Additional Chief Secretary of the Namami Ganga and Rural Water Supply Department, to The Hindu.
“The Tripartite Agreement between the Village Water & Sanitation Committee (VWSC), Jal Nigam and O&M Agency” will ensure Long term sustainability and also in ensuring that all the Service Level Benchmarks (SLBs) for a Quality services are met. A significant focus has been placed on community engagement. Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs), also referred to as ‘Paani Samitis’, are being actively engaged at every phase, from planning and design to daily operations and maintenance. In the past, numerous rural water schemes failed due to inadequate maintenance, substantial unpaid electricity bills, and limited community involvement. Consequently, assets deteriorated rapidly, leaving many villages without a reliable water supply. This situation will not recur,” said Raj Shekhar, Managing Director of Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (Rural).
Mr. Shekhar, a 2004-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer added, capacity-building initiatives have been broadened through training programs for Gram Panchayats and local stakeholders, which include water quality testing utilising field test kits. “Awareness campaigns, educational programs in schools, and community outreach efforts are also being implemented to encourage water conservation and responsible usage.
To ensure accountability and transparency, the State has strengthened water quality monitoring systems with multiple laboratories, including district-level, state-level, and mobile NABL-accredited labs. A Citizen Charter is also being introduced to safeguard consumer rights related to water quality, quantity, and service delivery. Additionally, an online grievance redressal system has been launched, enabling citizens to register complaints via a toll-free helpline or an online portal, ensuring timely resolution and improved service accountability,” said Mr. Shekhar.
With these reforms, Uttar Pradesh aims to transform the Jal Jeevan Mission into a sustainable, community-managed public service model, ensuring reliable and safe drinking water access for rural families.
Source: https://tinyurl.com/mpnp42x9
