Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0: Jharkhand to Deploy Over 13,000 Jalmitras in 4,345 Panchayats

Jharkhand government is strengthening rural water supply under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 by appointing three 'Jalmitras' (water friends) in each of its 4,345 panchayats, creating over 13,000 jobs. The initiative, approved by the apex committee led by Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, aims to ensure regular and quality drinking water supply through trained local operators.

• 💧Massive Rural Employment

  Over 13,000 jobs will be created for 'Jalmitras' across Jharkhand's panchayats to operate and maintain water supply schemes.

• 🏛️Apex Committee Approval

  The state's apex committee, chaired by Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, approved the proposal from the Drinking Water and Sanitation Department.

• 🤝Academic Partnerships for Training

  Institutes like BIT Mesra Ranchi, ISM Dhanbad, and Nirmala College Ranchi will sign MoUs for capacity building of the Jalmitras.

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

A flagship central government scheme launched in 2019 under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, with the aim to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections to all rural households by 2024.

Finance Commission

A constitutional body (Article 280) formed every five years to recommend the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States, and among the States themselves. The 16th Finance Commission is currently in operation for the period 2026-31.

Tied Grants

Funds transferred from the central government to state governments under the recommendations of the Finance Commission, which are earmarked for specific sectors or purposes like drinking water, sanitation, education, etc.

• Data: 4,345 Panchayats in Jharkhand & Over 13,000 Jalmitras
• Nodal Body: Drinking Water and Sanitation Department, Jharkhand
• Scheme: Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0
• Funding: 16th Finance Commission Tied Grants

1. Q1Easy

   Under which national mission is Jharkhand's 'Jalmitra' recruitment initiative being implemented?

   • APradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
   • BNational Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
   • CJal Jeevan Mission
   • DSwachh Bharat Mission (Grameen)
2. Q2Medium

   Consider the following statements regarding the Jharkhand Jalmitra initiative:

   1. 1.The apex committee approving the proposal was chaired by the Chief Secretary of Jharkhand.
   2. 2.The program aims to appoint one Jalmitra for every panchayat in the state.
   3. 3.Funding for the honorarium and skill training will come from the tied grants of the 16th Finance Commission.

   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   • AOnly 1
   • BOnly 2
   • CBoth 1 and 3
   • DAll three
3. Q3Easy

   As per the news, what is the total number of panchayats in Jharkhand based on which the Jalmitra deployment is planned?

   • A3,245
   • B4,345
   • C5,445
   • D6,345
4. Q4Medium

   What is the primary objective of training and deploying 'Jalmitras' under Jharkhand's initiative?

   • ATo oversee the construction of new dams and reservoirs
   • BTo implement rainwater harvesting projects in government buildings
   • CTo conduct water quality testing in rural schools
   • DTo act as scheme operators for minor repairs and preventive maintenance of piped water supply schemes

• Original29 October 2026 · Read story