Shillong, Mar 27: Meghalaya has become the twelfth State to sign a Reform-Linked Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Jal Shakti under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0.
This step marks the state’s formal entry into the reform-linked implementation framework of JJM 2.0, which was approved by the union cabinet on March 10, 2026.
The agreement is expected to enhance coordination, improve service delivery, and accelerate progress towards achieving the vision of “Har Ghar Jal” in Meghalaya with timely and adequate flow of funds from the Central government to the State, officials said.
The agreement outlines the roles, responsibilities, and collaborative efforts required from both the central and state governments to achieve the mission’s objectives within the stipulated timeline.
It further emphasises on policy, institutional and governance reforms, assets ownership, planning, financing and programme implementation, digital systems, data governance and monitoring, skilling of manpower, water quality surveillance, source sustainability, adherence to guidelines, communication and public confidence.
The agreement also highlights the importance of avoiding cost and time overrun, mid-term evaluation of commitments, and establishing mechanisms for disputes resolution that may arise.
The MoU was signed and exchanged between Swati Meena Naik, Joint Secretary (Water), DDWS, Ministry of Jal Shakti, and Meghalaya Commissioner & Secretary Pravin Bakshi.
Union Minister of Jal Shakti CR Patil, Minister of State V. Somanna, Meghalaya PHE Minister Marcuise N Marak and officials from the department witnessed the agreement signing.
Patil noted that Meghalaya has made commendable progress under the Mission, achieving 83 per cent coverage. He urged the state government to accelerate implementation and complete the remaining work at the earliest.
He stated that although the original deadline was May 2024, it has been extended till December 2028 to provide 100 per cent tap water coverage and sanitation throughout the nation.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who attended the event online, stated that Meghalaya, which was once among the lowest in the country in terms of rural tap water coverage, has now achieved 83.59 per cent coverage under JJM since its launch.
He further informed that the State has adopted a comprehensive Water Policy as early as 2019 and has constituted a Climate Council with active involvement of multiple departments. He highlighted that all line departments are now working together in a holistic manner to address water-related issues, including awareness generation, soil conservation, and other interventions. Acknowledging the challenges of operation and maintenance, the Chief Minister assured that the state government is fully prepared to take maximum responsibility.
