Har Ghar Jal! Rs 1,605 cr central grant provided to 8 northeastern states under Jal Jeevan Mission

New Delhi, May 25: With the focus on faster development of the northeast, the central government released Rs. 1,605 crore to 8 northeastern states for the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission to provide tap water supply to rural homes in the financial year 2021-22.

 

 

This will be the first tranche of the four to be released in this financial year. This kind of huge funding for making provision of piped drinking water supply in rural homes clearly will improve the lives of people living in rural areas in these states.

 

The union government led by PM Narendra Modi has been giving top priority to the development of this region of the country. "During the financial year 2021-22, Rs. 9,262 crore has been allocated as a Central grant for the NE States under Jal Jeevan Mission. The enhanced allocation, as well as the release of funds at this challenging time to provide tap water connections to rural homes in the NE States, will boost the economy of the region," the Jal Shakti Ministry said in a statement.

 

 

Out of Rs. 9,262 crore, Assam was allotted the biggest share with Rs 5,601 crore and the govt has released now Rs 700 crore. Assam was followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram and Sikkim.

 

"There are about 90 lakh rural households in all the NE States, with a maximum of 63.35 lakh in Assam. In 2020-21, about 11 lakh new tap water connections provided in all these States. As of today, 16.27 lakh households (18%) in the region are getting tap water supply in these States in comparison to 3.2 lakh (3%) households on 15 August 2019, when Prime Minister announced the Jal Jeevan Mission," it added.

 

 

As top priority being accorded by the government, the budgetary allocation for Jal Jeevan Mission "has increased significantly to Rs. 50,011 Crore in 2021-22. In addition to this, the 15th Finance Commission tied-grants of Rs. 26,940 Crore will be also available to PRIs for ‘water and sanitation services. Further, the fund is also available through matching State share and externally aided projects. Thus, in 2021-22, more than Rs. 1 lakh Crore is planned to be invested in the country on ensuring tap water supply to rural homes."