The Union Government signed MoUs with Mizoram and Ladakh to continue the nationwide rollout of reform-linked implementation under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0. The move is aimed at establishing a structured reform framework for sustainable, transparent, and community-led rural drinking water service delivery.

The reform-linked MoU mandates a Gram Panchayat-led, service-based and community-centred model of rural water governance which operates according to Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 goals.

The government aims to establish drinking water supply systems for every rural household through the agreement by which they will enhance community participation (Jan Bhagidari) and implement structural changes to maintain sustainable operation of rural water supply systems. The government aims to enhance rural living conditions through these efforts while securing water resources to achieve the national development goals of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Union Minister of Jal Shakti, C. R. Patil highlighted that the reform-linked MoUs mark a pivotal step in achieving 'Har Ghar Jal' for all rural households by 2028. He commended Mizoram's near-100% reported physical progress under JJM and urged timely reforms in operation, maintenance, and community participation to ensure and claim Har Ghar Jal (HGJ) certified status. The Minister assured full central support, including expedited fund releases, to maintain implementation momentum for the state.

In his address Ladakh, C. R. Patil urged for a rapid execution of the mission as per the JJM 2.0 guidelines to get a 100% HGJ certified UT.

He also stated that JJM 2.0, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, focuses on accountability, water quality, and long-term sustainability. In order to fulfill this, he urged the officials to conduct District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) meetings on timely basis and adhere to the MoU. He also urged both Mizoram and Ladakh to prioritize Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari through convergence with schemes like MGNREGA to ensure the long-term viability of the water supply systems.

Patil informed that in September 2025, the Secretary of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) wrote a D.O. letter to the Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) regarding issues related to Operation & Maintenance (O&M) in the Union Territories. In this regard he requested Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh to coordinate with MHA and work for O&M.

He also mentioned the suggestions given by the Additional Secretary & Mission Director (AS&MD), NJJM after discussion with the Chief Secretary of Ladakh during his visit to the UT in September 2025 and asked to take actions in this regard.

Chief Minister of Mizoram, Shri Lalduhoma, in his address termed the MoU a potential game changer for the State and highlighted Mizoram’s strong performance under JJM. He informed that 1,33,060 rural households in the State have been provided with FHTCs, with 99% physical progress achieved across sanctioned schemes. He further noted that all rural schools and Anganwadi centers have been covered with tap water supply.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the State’s emphasis on water quality, with 28 water testing laboratories established, including NABL-accredited facilities. He underlined the role of community participation through constitution of VWSCs in all villages and the formation of district technical teams to ensure sustainability of water supply systems. He also mentioned that the state has planned Comprehensive Implementation and Reform Plan (CIRP) and will be uploading it on Jal Jeevan Mission-Integrated Management Information System (JJM-IMIS).

While appreciating the continued support of the Union Government, he emphasised the importance of timely financial support for sustaining implementation momentum and reaffirmed the State government’s commitment to successful execution of the mission.

In his address, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena highlighted the significance of Jal Jeevan Mission in ensuring access to safe drinking water in the challenging terrain of Ladakh. He termed the signing of MoU as a historic occasion.

He pointed out that substantial progress has been achieved, with works completed in a significant number of villages, and emphasized that JJM is translating the vision of providing tap water to every household into reality. He highlighted the unique feature of JJM as it has community-led verification, wherein local villagers certify the functionality and delivery of water supply systems, thereby ensuring accountability and effectiveness on the ground. Aligning to the mission’s key points, Shri Saxena expressed confidence that the reform-linked framework will further strengthen implementation and assured full cooperation of the UT administration in achieving the objectives of Jal Jeevan Mission.