Saturday’s Union Budget announcement that the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) rural household tap connectivity scheme would be extended up till 2028 brings relief to Kerala which has been lagging behind in its implementation, but certain financial issues raised by the State remain unresolved.
According to the State government, Kerala would need to pump in about ₹17,500 crore more as its share over the next two years. Given the financial stress and the limits on State borrowings, JJM works could not be completed on time.
At a pre-budget discussion in December, Kerala had urged the Centre to allow the financing requirements for Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) “over and above” the limit of the State borrowings. This aspect has not been addressed.
Last year, Kerala had sought more time for completing JJM works, which have been plagued by delays from the very start in the State. As per the latest updates from the Jal Shakti Ministry, Kerala is at the very bottom of the national-level list in terms of the coverage achieved. Coverage in the State stands at 54.23%. Only three blocks, 68 panchayats and 88 villages in the State have secured the Har Ghar Jal status.
Presenting the Budget on Saturday, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the mission was being extended to 2028 with enhanced total outlay for achieving 100% coverage.
Although the Centre had announced JJM in 2019, Kerala launched work on the Centrally assisted initiative only in 2020, for providing 54.45 lakh connections at a total cost of ₹44,714.79 crore (The cost is shared 50:50 by the Centre and the State).
Published – February 01, 2025 08:35 pm IST