New Delhi: The Jal Jeevan Mission, launched on 15 August 2019, has made remarkable strides in providing safe and reliable tap water to rural households, significantly impacting socio-economic conditions across India. A recent report by the State Bank of India highlights the mission's transformative role, particularly in enhancing women’s participation in the workforce and improving rural livelihoods.
 

When the mission began, only 3.23 crore rural households, 17 per cent of the total, had access to functional tap water connections. As of 10 October 2024, the initiative has extended tap water access to an additional 11.96 crore households, raising the total to 15.20 crore, covering 78.62 per cent of rural India. With an estimated budget of ₹3.60 lakh crore, shared between the central and state governments, the mission aims to provide universal coverage by its target deadline.
 

The SBI report reveals that improved water accessibility has reduced the burden on women, freeing them from the daily chore of fetching water from outside their homes. This has led to an 8.3 percentage point decline in households relying on external water sources and a 7.4 percentage point increase in women’s participation in agriculture and related activities. States such as Bihar and Assam have recorded a rise of over 28 percentage points in female workforce participation, showcasing how tap water connections have reshaped lives, especially in economically vulnerable areas.
 

In Uttar Pradesh, improved water access has led to a 17.3 percentage point increase in women’s involvement in agricultural activities. Odisha has seen a 7.8 percentage point reduction in households fetching water externally, correlating with a 14.8 percentage point rise in women’s workforce participation. Himachal Pradesh and Telangana have also reported significant progress, with reductions of 19.4 and 30.3 percentage points, respectively, in water-fetching households. Similar improvements have been observed in states like Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
 

Beyond economic benefits, the Jal Jeevan Mission has had a profound impact on health and education. States like Kerala have reported reductions in waterborne diseases, enabling children to attend school regularly and improving overall health outcomes. By ensuring access to potable water, the mission is fostering a healthier and more productive rural population.
 

The mission has also been lauded for its ability to transform lives through people’s participation, stakeholder collaboration, and efficient resource utilisation. Nearly nine crore women, previously burdened by water collection duties, have entered the workforce, contributing to economic growth and gender equality. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier emphasised the global challenge of water scarcity, highlighting the mission’s role in achieving the vision of a developed India.
 

As the Jal Jeevan Mission progresses, its success continues to demonstrate how access to a basic resource like water can drive widespread social and economic change. By alleviating water scarcity and empowering rural communities, the initiative is setting a benchmark for sustainable development in India.
 

BI Bureau