Reform-linked MoUs under JJM 2.0 mark a shift from infrastructure creation to service delivery. Discuss the implications for cooperative federalism and rural water governance.

Q. Reform-linked MoUs under JJM 2.0 mark a shift from infrastructure creation to service delivery. Discuss the implications for cooperative federalism and rural water governance. (15 marks, 250 words)

The 2025 Cabinet-approved restructuring of Jal Jeevan Mission into JJM 2.0 (outlay ₹8.69 lakh crore, extended to December 2028) reorients the mission from laying pipes to sustained service delivery [1]. Reform-Linked MoUs — signed with Mizoram and Ladakh on 6 May 2026 — operationalise this shift, carrying deep implications for federal and local governance [2].

Implications for cooperative federalism - Conditional transfers: central assistance (₹3.59 lakh crore) is tied to States adopting structural reforms, embedding performance-linked rather than automatic devolution [1]. - Asymmetric, negotiated design: MoUs accommodate 90:10 funding for Himalayan Mizoram and 100% central funding for legislature-less UT Ladakh — bargaining federalism in practice [2]. - Risk: conditionalities may narrow State fiscal autonomy if reform benchmarks are rigid.

Implications for rural water governance - Service, not asset: shifts accountability from "tap installed" to functional, potable, regular supply, tackling the earlier "dry-tap" critique [1]. - Devolution deepened: mandates a Gram Panchayat-led, community-centred model via Village Water & Sanitation Committees, activating Article 243G and Eleventh Schedule Item 11 [2]. - Jan Bhagidari & sustainability: embeds community O&M, source security and greywater management, with gender dividends for water-fetching women [2].

By coupling fiscal incentive to institutional reform, JJM 2.0 converts a scheme into a cooperative, bottom-up governance compact. If reform benchmarks stay flexible and Panchayats are adequately capacitated, it can advance SDG-6 while strengthening genuine fiscal federalism.

(~248 words)

Sources: 1. Cabinet approves extension of Jal Jeevan Mission up to December 2028 with restructured JJM 2.0 (2026) — shift to service delivery, ₹8.69 lakh crore outlay, ₹3.59 lakh crore central share, Dec 2028 timeline 2. Reform Linked MoUs signed with Mizoram and Ladakh under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, PIB (2026) — GP-led community-centred governance model, VWSCs, 6 May 2026 signing, sustainability and Jan Bhagidari