The interim budget for 2024-25 has given a huge boost to the Jal Shakti Ministry, which has been allocated ₹98,418 crore, a 1.94 percent increase from the previous year. The ministry is responsible for ensuring water security and sanitation in the country, and its flagship program, the Jal Jeevan Mission, has secured a significant portion, receiving 71 percent of the total allocation .
The Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water by 2024 to all households in rural India. Out of the 19.26 crore rural households in the country, 14.22 crore have been provided tap water connection under the mission till now. The mission has been allocated ₹69,926 crore for 2024-25, a marginal increase from ₹69,515 crore in 2023-24.
The Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), which was launched in 2014 and comes under the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DoDWS), has been allocated ₹7,192 crore for 2024-25. The same amount was allocated to it in 2023-24 as well. Under this mission, Open Defecation Free (ODF) status has been achieved for rural areas, and it is now being implemented to ensure the sustainability of the ODF status and cover all villages with solid and liquid waste management arrangements.
The Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation has been allocated ₹21,028 crore for 2024-25, a 7.74 percent increase from 2023-24. It was ₹19,516 crore the last time. The National Ganga Plan, which comes under the department for implementing schemes and projects for the Ganga River and its tributaries, has been allocated ₹3,500 crore.
The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojna has been allocated ₹2,500 crore for 2014-25. The scheme aims to enhance irrigation coverage and improve water use efficiency in agriculture.
The budget allocation for the Jal Shakti Ministry reflects the government’s commitment to provide water security and sanitation to all citizens, especially in rural areas. The ministry has been working towards achieving the goals of Har Ghar Jal (water in every home) and Har Ghar Swachhata (sanitation in every home) by 2024.