Water for All: How Jal Jeevan Mission is Making it a Reality, Insights from IIMB Event

The Jal Jeevan Mission Office at Indian Institute of Management Bangalore recently hosted a pivotal event featuring Shri Parameswaran Iyer, the former Secretary of the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Government of India. Addressing an eager audience, Iyer delved into the intricacies of 'Designing and Implementing Large Scale Development Programmes’. The Jal Jeevan Mission Chair Professorship at IIM Bangalore, established by the Government of India, plays a crucial role in conducting research, building capacity, and engaging in outreach activities related to utility development and water economics. Its foundation lies in addressing the challenges of the drinking water and sanitation sectors by fostering academic excellence and practical solutions.

Lessons from the Swachh Bharat Mission: The Four Ps

During his address, Shri Parameswaran Iyer shared invaluable insights from the successes of large-scale projects in India, including health, financial inclusion, and sanitation. He highlighted the 'Four Ps’ - Political leadership, Public financing, Partnerships, and People's participation - as the cornerstone of the Swachh Bharat Mission's triumph. Iyer emphasized the importance of aligning these elements in a diverse country like India to achieve sustainable development goals. The program not only aimed at infrastructure development but also at changing the mindset of the nation, making it a landmark initiative in India's policy landscape.

The Genesis and Challenges of the Jal Jeevan Mission

Shri Parameswaran Iyer took the audience through the journey of water management projects, culminating in the Jal Jeevan Mission. He shared his learnings that water issues encompass abundance, scarcity, and pollution. The establishment of the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the launch of the Jal Jeevan Mission underscored the government's focus on unified water resource management. The mission aimed to provide tap water to every household, addressing the daily struggle of women fetching water. It was a monumental task that required innovative solutions, including the Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) scheme, highlighting the government's commitment to improving rural livelihoods through sustainable water management.

Sustainable Models and Global Recognition

The rural utility model proposed by the Jal Jeevan Mission aims to manage operation and maintenance costs at the local level, ensuring sustainability. The collaborative efforts between the Centre and states, along with significant investments, have transformed lives in rural India. The mission's transparent functioning and the staggering achievement of 18 million tap connections are testaments to its success. Shri Parameswaran Iyer highlighted the global challenge of water listed by the World Bank and how the Jal Jeevan Mission serves as a model for similar initiatives worldwide.

In conclusion, Shri Parameswaran Iyer encapsulated the essence of implementing large-scale programs with the acronym ABCDEF - Align, Belief, Communication, Democratize, Evaluate, and Follow through. This framework not only paves the way for the success of initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission but also serves as a blueprint for future policy implementations across various sectors. The talk at IIM Bangalore was not only an educational experience but also an inspirational one, motivating students and professionals alike to contribute to meaningful change in society.