First installment of ₹350 crore likely soon; funds earmarked for new water supply schemes across the Union Territory
Jammu, July 3: In a significant boost to the implementation of rural drinking water projects in Jammu and Kashmir, the Central Government is set to release the first installment of funds under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Phase-II, providing major financial relief to the Union Territory administration.
According to official sources, Jammu and Kashmir has been sanctioned ₹1,400 crore under JJM-II, which will be released in four equal installments of ₹350 crore each. The first installment is expected to be released shortly following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UT Government and the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The funds released under the scheme will be utilized exclusively for new drinking water supply schemes, while expenditure on the completion or retrofitting of existing projects will have to be borne by the Jammu and Kashmir Government.
Officials said the Centre has attached certain conditions to the release of funds, including the creation of Sujal Gaon IDs and reconciliation of financial records to strengthen transparency, accountability and digital monitoring under the restructured Jal Jeevan Mission framework.
The financial assistance comes as part of the revamped Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, approved by the Union Government with a renewed focus on sustainable rural drinking water supply, improved governance, service delivery, digital monitoring and long-term maintenance of water infrastructure.
Officials believe the timely release of funds will accelerate the execution of new rural water supply schemes, helping improve access to safe drinking water for households across Jammu and Kashmir while easing the financial burden on the Union Territory Government.(KNC)
