The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) until 2028, with an allocation of Rs 1.51 lakh crore.
The decision, announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the presentation of the Union Budget 2025-26, was formally approved by the Cabinet on Tuesday. Though, the approved allocation is less than the Rs 2.79 lakh crore originally requested by the Jal Shakti Ministry for the period through 2028.
Concerns over irregularities in the implementation of the rural tap water scheme reportedly led the Ministry of Finance to reject the Jal Shakti Ministry’s initial funding request. In the current financial year (2025-26), the initial allocation of Rs 67,000 crore was revised downward to Rs 17,000 crore, and sources indicate that even this revised amount remains unspent.
The JJM has faced scrutiny, prompting action from the central government. In May of last year, over 100 teams were dispatched to inspect JJM works. Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed officials within the Jal Shakti Ministry to pursue action against those involved in irregularities.
Following complaints of financial irregularities and substandard work, action has been taken against at least 596 officials, 822 contractors, and 152 Third Party Inspection Agencies (TPIAs) across 15 states and Union Territories as of November 10, 2025. An investigation published on May 21, 2025, revealed that changes to the Mission’s guidelines three years prior resulted in Rs 16,839 crore in additional costs for 14,586 schemes – a 14.58 per cent increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jal Jeevan Mission?
The Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in August 2019, aims to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) to deliver 55 litres per capita per day (lpcd) drinking water to all rural households in the country.
How much funding has been allocated to the JJM through 2028?
The Union Cabinet approved an allocation of Rs 1.51 lakh crore for the Jal Jeevan Mission through 2028.
Were the funding requests fully met?
No, the Rs 1.51 lakh crore allocation approved by the Union Cabinet is lower than the Rs 2.79 lakh crore sought by the Jal Shakti Ministry.
As the JJM continues, it remains to be seen how the restructured implementation and revised funding will impact progress towards providing clean drinking water to rural households across the country.
