Himachal inks JJM 2.0 MoU with Centre

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) for Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 was signed between the Government of India and the state government in New Delhi on Friday. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri joined the event virtually from Shimla, while Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil also attended the event virtually.

JJM 2.0 will be implemented up to December 2028 with an enhanced outlay and restructured framework, focusing on structural reforms in the rural drinking water supply sector. At present, priority is being given to all single village schemes (SVS), including those for which states and union territories have already incurred advance expenditure.

On the occasion, Sukhu said the geographical conditions of the state were challenging and should not be compared with other states, as the cost of construction in hilly areas was significantly higher. He emphasised that norms applicable to other states should not be imposed on Himachal.

Sukhu also urged the Union Government to release the pending amount of Rs 1,227 crore under the JJM.