“The Uttar Pradesh government has waived the 10% community contribution for the Har Ghar Nal scheme under Jal Jeevan Mission, easing the financial burden on 2.33 crore rural families. This move ensures affordable access to clean drinking water with a nominal Rs 50 maintenance fee, aligning with the mission’s 2024 target for universal tap water connectivity.”
UP’s Bold Step to Ensure Clean Water for All
In a landmark decision, the Uttar Pradesh government has eliminated the 10% community contribution previously required under the Har Ghar Nal scheme, a key component of the Jal Jeevan Mission. Announced in January 2025, this waiver is set to benefit approximately 2.33 crore rural households across the state, ensuring access to clean drinking water without financial strain. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized that access to potable water is a basic public welfare responsibility, stating that the state will fully bear the contribution costs, sparing villagers from the Rs 9,092.42 crore financial burden.
Under the scheme, rural households are now required to pay only a nominal Rs 50 maintenance charge to their Gram Panchayats, ensuring the upkeep of water supply infrastructure. [Visit Aicalculator.in] This decision aligns with similar moves by states like Haryana, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal, while Rajasthan has also announced a waiver, and Madhya Pradesh is considering the same. The state government has allocated Rs 2,000 crore in the 2024-25 budget to support this initiative, reinforcing its commitment to equitable water access.
The Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in 2019 by the central government, aims to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) to every rural household by 2024. In Uttar Pradesh, 40,951 schemes worth Rs 1.52 lakh crore have been approved, with the Centre and state equally sharing Rs 71,714.68 crore each. As of October 2024, the state has connected 2.27 crore rural households, benefiting 13.66 crore people, and achieved tap water coverage in over 17,900 villages in 2023 alone, earning the state the second spot in the 5th National Water Award.
Significant progress has been made in water-scarce regions like Bundelkhand and Vindhya. For instance, 97% of families in Mahoba and 99.83% in Chitrakoot have tap water access. In Mirzapur and Sonbhadra, projects worth Rs 5,555.38 crore are providing piped water to 2,995 villages, benefiting over 41 lakh villagers. These efforts include purifying water from local rivers and lakes, ensuring safe and sustainable supply.
The waiver is expected to accelerate the mission’s goal of 100% tap water connectivity, particularly in water-stressed and tribal areas. Community ownership remains a cornerstone, with Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) managing operations and maintenance. The state’s focus on rainwater harvesting, grey water reuse, and infrastructure like check dams and restored water bodies further supports sustainability.
This move has been hailed as a step toward social equity, reducing the burden on rural communities and empowering them with reliable access to clean water. With 64% of rural households nationwide now connected under the mission, Uttar Pradesh’s proactive approach sets a benchmark for other states striving to meet the 2024 deadline.
Disclaimer: This article is based on reports and information from reliable sources, including government press releases, news publications, and official dashboards like jaljeevanmission.gov.in. Data is accurate as of January 2025. Readers are advised to verify details with official sources for the latest updates.