A Minister-level policy dialogue on the Jal Jeevan Mission was held in New Delhi yesterday, focusing on the sustainable operation and maintenance of rural drinking water services. Panchayati Raj Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh stressed the need for a long-term Operation and Maintenance framework led by Gram Panchayats and called for operational costs to be addressed in the 16th Finance Commission.

Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil emphasised sustainability, accountability and financial discipline. He announced that future fund releases to states will be linked to MoUs, unique scheme IDs and proof of 15 days of continuous water supply. The dialogue reaffirmed that drinking water governance under JJM is aligned with India’s constitutional and administrative framework, with Gram Panchayats and community institutions placed at the centre of long-term service delivery.