Nirmala Sitharaman Announces Extension Of Rural Water Mission To 2028, Targeting Universal Coverage: Budget 2025

New Delhi, Feb 1 (KNN) In a significant announcement during the Budget 2025-26 presentation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined the expansion of India's rural water access initiative, highlighting substantial progress and setting ambitious targets for comprehensive coverage.

The Minister reported remarkable achievements in rural water connectivity since 2019, with 150 million households, representing 80 percent of India's rural population, now having access to potable tap water connections. 

Building on this success, the government has extended the Mission's timeline to 2028, allocating enhanced funding to achieve universal coverage.

The renewed Mission will prioritize infrastructure quality and operations and maintenance (O&M) of rural piped water supply schemes through "Jan Bhagidari" or public participation. 

This strategic shift emphasizes the long-term sustainability of water infrastructure projects and ensures their continued effectiveness.

To strengthen implementation and accountability, the government will establish formal partnerships through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with states and Union Territories. 

These agreements will focus on maintaining infrastructure sustainability and implementing citizen-centric water service delivery mechanisms, marking a significant step toward ensuring lasting access to clean water across rural India.

The comprehensive approach to rural water infrastructure development demonstrates the government's commitment to achieving universal water access while ensuring the long-term viability of these essential services through structured partnerships and community engagement.

(KNN Bureau)