As A Follow-Up to The Departmental Summit on Water 2026, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation Organised Virtual Conference on Convergence of JJM 2.0 With 16th Finance Grants for Rural water Supply and Strengthening of O&M Systems

The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) organized a virtual conference focusing on the convergence of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 with 16th Finance Commission grants. The conference aimed to advance source sustainability, water security, and Gram Panchayat-led planning for rural drinking water delivery. Discussions emphasized shifting the focus from infrastructure creation to functionality, operation and maintenance (O&M), and financial sustainability. Key presentations highlighted the utilization of tied grants under the 16th Finance Commission, integration of resources through the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP), and digital tracking via the eGramSwaraj portal. States like Karnataka, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh shared best practices regarding local governance, asset management, and capacity building.