Reform Linked MoUs signed with Manipur and Bihar under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0

📌 Summary:

• Reform-linked Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 with two States — Manipur and Bihar
• The reform-linked MoU mandates a Gram Panchayat-led, service-based, community-centred model of rural water governance
• Goal: every rural household gets drinking water in adequate quantity and prescribed quality on a regular basis, with strengthened community participation
• JJM 2.0 shifts focus from creation to sustainability — functionality of tap connections, water quality, source sustainability, O&M, community ownership and regular monitoring
• Minister C.R. Patil stressed water conservation, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and catchment protection using Finance Commission and VB-GRAM funds; community-based water quality monitoring via Gram Panchayats, District and State Water & Sanitation Missions

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 — welfare schemes, cooperative federalism (Centre-State reform-linked transfers), decentralised water governance; links to SDG-6

📝 Prelims Facts:

• Jal Jeevan Mission launched in 2019 to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) to all rural households (Har Ghar Jal)
• Implementing ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation)
• JJM 2.0 emphasises source sustainability, O&M and Gram Panchayat-led service delivery

🔑 Key Term: Reform-Linked MoU — an agreement tying Central support/funds to a State's commitment to specific governance reforms (here, community-led, service-based rural water management).