Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

Context:

The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), a flagship initiative of the Indian government, has significantly empowered women, particularly in rural areas.

By ensuring access to reliable tap water at every household, JJM is transforming the lives of women and communities.

A recent report from the State Bank of India (SBI) highlighted that 9 crore women no longer have to fetch water from outside, thanks to the Har Ghar Jal initiative.

This has not only alleviated the physical burden on women but has also provided numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Key Highlights of JJM's Impact on Women Empowerment:

1. Skill Development: With water now available at their doorstep, women can focus more on skill development and become self-reliant. The time saved from fetching water has led to a 7.4% increase in women's participation in agriculture and business activities.
2. Leadership Roles: The mission mandates that at least 50% of members in village water and sanitation committees be women. This ensures that women's needs are prioritized in water planning, enhancing their leadership roles in the community.
3. Employment Opportunities: JJM is expected to generate nearly 60 lakh direct employment opportunities, boosting economic prospects for women in rural areas.

About JJM: Har Ghar Jal:

• Objective: To provide every rural household with access to safe and reliable tap water by 2024.
• Key Components: Water quality assurance, bottom-up planning, sustainable water sources, greywater management, and skill development.
• Focus Areas: Piped water in schools, anganwadi centers, and ashramshalas, with an emphasis on children’s well-being.
• Key Achievement: The rural tap water coverage has increased dramatically to 79.31% from just 17% in 2019.

Through these efforts, the Jal Jeevan Mission is creating a new era of women empowerment, economic progress, and social transformation in rural India.