NATIONAL SCHEMES

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0

  • CONTEXT : A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Centre and Tamil Nadu was signed  for the extended implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 in the State. 
  • The MoU for JJM, which provides functional household tap connections, was signed following the Union Cabinet’s approval to extend the scheme till December 2028.
  • During the extended phase, Tamil Nadu will receive an initial allocation of ₹2,177 crore from the Union Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation.

 

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

Introduction

  • Launched on 15 August 2019.
  • Aim: Provide Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) to every rural household.
  • Based on a community-driven and decentralized approach.
  • Gram Panchayats and village water committees manage planning, implementation, and maintenance.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Key Features

  • Tap Connection for All: Every rural household gets a tap water connection.
  • Service Standard: Supply of 55 litres per person per day (LPCD).
  • Water Quality Monitoring: Test kits provided and local women trained for monitoring.
  • Technology-Based Governance: Use of digital dashboards, geo-tagging, and online monitoring.
  • Inclusive Approach: Special focus on SC/ST villages, aspirational districts, and water-scarce areas.

Funding Pattern

  • General States: Centre and State share costs in a 50:50 ratio.
  • North-Eastern & Himalayan States: Centre and State share costs in a 90:10 ratio.
  • Union Territories (UTs): Fully funded by the Central Government.

 

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 – Key Points

  • Focus on sustainable rural piped drinking water supply through better governance and institutional mechanisms. 

Sujalam Bharat Digital Framework

  • Introduction of a national digital platform called “Sujalam Bharat”. 
  • Every village will receive a unique Sujal Gaon/Service Area ID. 
  • Complete drinking water supply system will be digitally mapped from source to tap. 

Jal Arpan Initiative

  • Gram Panchayats (GPs) and Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) will participate in scheme commissioning and handover. 
  • Ensures transparency, accountability, and community ownership. 

Har Ghar Jal Certification

  • Gram Panchayats can declare themselves “Har Ghar Jal” only after: 
    • Completion of works. 
    • Functional operation and maintenance mechanisms are established. 

Achievements Under JJM

  • Rural households with tap water increased from 3.23 crore (17%) in 2019 to 15.80 crore (81.61%). 
  • More than 12.56 crore new tap water connections provided. 

JJM 2.0 Target

  • Universal tap water coverage to all 19.36 crore rural households by December 2028. 
  • Certification of all Gram Panchayats as Har Ghar Jal villages. 

Vision of Viksit Bharat @2047

  • Transition from infrastructure creation to citizen-centric utility-based service delivery. 
  • Aim to ensure 24×7 rural drinking water supply. 
  • Emphasis on sustainable operation, maintenance, and source conservation through inter-departmental convergence.

 

Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026

  • CONTEXT:The Department of Higher Education has invited applications for the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026
  • The initiative is designed to attract and engage talented Indians from across the world in strengthening India’s research, innovation, and technology ecosystem.

Objective

  • Connect global Indian talent with India’s scientific and technological development.
  • Promote advanced research and innovation in areas of national importance.
  • Enhance collaboration between international experts and Indian institutions.

Focus Areas

    • The scheme covers 13 priority thematic sectors, including:
  • Advanced Computing
  • Semiconductors
  • Cybersecurity
  • Other strategic fields related to research, development, innovation, and technology.

Benefits for PMRC Fellows

  • Fellowship support for research activities.
  • Research grants to undertake innovative projects.
  • Access to advanced laboratories and research infrastructure.
  • Opportunities to collaborate with leading government institutions and research organizations in India.

Implementation Mechanism

  • The scheme aims to integrate global expertise into India’s expanding R&D ecosystem.
  • Fellows will contribute to cutting-edge research and capacity building in priority sectors.