Uttar Pradesh Waives Community Contribution Under ‘Har Ghar Nal’ Scheme

January 8, 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government has recently made announcement regarding the ‘Har Ghar Nal‘ scheme under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The state has waived the 10% community contribution requirement, allowing the government to cover these costs. This decision will directly benefit approximately 2.33 crore families, making clean drinking water more accessible to rural populations. Villagers are now only required to pay a nominal maintenance charge of Rs 50.

Background of the Jal Jeevan Mission

The Jal Jeevan Mission is a central government initiative aimed at ensuring piped water access for every household in India. Launched under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the mission seeks to provide safe drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024. It also promotes sustainable water management practices, including rainwater harvesting and grey water reuse.

Har Ghar Nal Scheme Overview

The ‘Har Ghar Nal’ scheme is a vital component of the Jal Jeevan Mission. It focuses on delivering functional tap connections to every rural household. Initially, villagers were required to contribute 10% of the capital cost for these connections. However, the recent waiver means that the state government will now absorb this financial burden.

Financial Implications of the Waiver

The waiver of the community contribution is expected to relieve villagers of approximately Rs 9,092.42 crore. The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated Rs 2,000 crore in the current financial year’s budget to support this initiative. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance access to clean drinking water across the state.

Community Contribution Details

Previously, the community contribution varied based on the demographic composition of the villages. Villages with a higher SC/ST population were required to contribute 5%, while others faced a 10% charge. The government’s decision to waive this contribution reflects a commitment to ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to essential services.

Other States’ Approaches

The approach taken by Uttar Pradesh is not isolated. Other states like Haryana, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal have also covered community contributions for similar water supply initiatives. In Rajasthan, the Chief Minister has announced a similar waiver, while Madhya Pradesh is considering the matter.

Role of Gram Panchayats

Under the ‘Har Ghar Nal’ scheme, villagers will pay a minimal maintenance charge of Rs 50 to their Gram Panchayat. This charge is intended to support the ongoing maintenance of the water supply system. The government emphasises that the financial burden on rural residents should be minimal to ensure equitable access to clean water.

Jal Jeevan Mission aims for 100% tap connections by 2024.
Rs 1.52 lakh crore has been approved for 40,951 schemes.
Community ownership is encouraged through voluntary contributions.
Functional Tap Connection (FHTC) is a key objective.
States like Haryana and Odisha also cover community costs.

Objectives of the Jal Jeevan Mission

The Jal Jeevan Mission has several key objectives. It aims to provide Functional Tap Connections (FHTC) to every rural household, prioritising areas with water quality issues and drought-prone regions. The mission also focuses on ensuring the sustainability of water supply systems and promoting community involvement in managing local water resources.

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