Shillong, March 27 : A significant milestone was achieved with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the State of Meghalaya and the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, under the flagship Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0.
The MoU signing was attended by Union Minister C. R. Patil, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma (virtually), Minister of State V. Somanna, and senior officials from the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
From Meghalaya, PHE Minister Marcuise N. Marak, Commissioner & Secretary Pravin Bakshi, and other senior engineers and officials were present.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma expressed gratitude to the Centre for its support and highlighted Meghalaya’s progress in household water coverage, which has increased from one of the lowest levels to around 83 percent.
The MoU reinforces commitment to providing Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) to every rural household, ensuring access to safe, adequate, and sustainable drinking water under the “Har Ghar Jal” initiative.
The agreement outlines roles and responsibilities of both Centre and State, focusing on governance reforms, planning, financing, digital systems, water quality monitoring, source sustainability, and skill development. It also stresses timely implementation, avoiding cost overruns, and establishing mechanisms for dispute resolution.
The MoU is expected to improve coordination between Centre and State, ensure timely release of funds, and enhance service delivery, accelerating progress in rural water supply across Meghalaya.
Officials stated that the Ministry is actively addressing challenges faced by the State, while Meghalaya is in the process of submitting its fund requirements in the revised format.
The signing of the MoU marks a renewed partnership between the Centre and the State, aimed at strengthening water infrastructure and improving quality of life for rural communities in Meghalaya.
