A recent study by State Bank of India has underscored transformative impact of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) on rural communities, particularly in empowering women and enhancing socio-economic development. report highlights a direct correlation between improved access to tap water and increased women’s participation in workforce, with significant benefits in states like Bihar, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha.
Key Findings and Impact on Women’s Workforce Participation Jal Jeevan Mission has contributed to an 8.3 percentage point reduction in households fetching water from outside premises. This change has freed up women’s time and energy, leading to a 7.4 percentage point increase in their participation in agriculture and allied sectors. In economically weaker states like Bihar and Assam, women’s workforce participation surged by over 28 percentage points, showcasing initiative’s profound socio-economic benefits.
Table: State-Wise Impact of Jal Jeevan Mission
| State | Increase in Women’s Workforce Participation (%) | Reduction in Households Fetching Water from Outside (%) |
| Bihar | 28.6 | 10.2 |
| Assam | 28.1 | 9.8 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 17.3 | 12.5 |
| Odisha | 14.8 | 7.8 |
| West Bengal | 15.2 | 10.4 |
| Telangana | 12.9 | 30.3 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 10.4 | 19.4 |
| Jharkhand | 13.7 | 10.8 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 10.6 | 17.6 |
A National Push for Clean Water Launched on August 15, 2019, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide functional tap water connections to every rural household by 2024. At time of launch, only 3.23 crore (17%) rural households had access to tap water. By October 2024, initiative had expanded this coverage to 78.62%, benefiting 15.20 crore households. mission’s total budget is estimated at ₹3.60 lakh crore, shared between central and state governments.
Improved Quality of Life mission’s impact extends beyond workforce participation. Access to clean water has alleviated physical and time burdens for rural women, enabling them to contribute more significantly to household income. In Rajasthan and Gujarat, for example, communities have redirected their efforts toward agriculture and small businesses, bolstering rural economies. Improved water access has also reduced waterborne diseases, particularly in states like Kerala, where health outcomes have improved and children are attending school more consistently.
Health Benefits and Social Empowerment reduction in waterborne diseases is among mission’s most notable achievements. Improved health outcomes have not only reduced medical expenses but also increased productivity across rural areas. Women, in particular, have benefited from these health improvements, as they are often primary caregivers in their families.
Future Prospects Jal Jeevan Mission is not just a water supply initiative; it represents a holistic approach to rural development. focus on empowering women, improving health, and enhancing productivity aligns with broader national goals of economic growth and social equity. mission’s success in states with challenging terrains, such as Himachal Pradesh and Telangana, highlights its potential to address water scarcity issues across diverse geographies.
Conclusion Jal Jeevan Mission has emerged as a transformative initiative, reshaping rural India by improving access to clean water, empowering women, and driving socio-economic development. Its success underscores importance of targeted public policies that address basic needs while fostering broader societal benefits.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and reports believed to be reliable. content is for informational purposes only, and readers are encouraged to verify details independently.
