Nagaland has signed a reform-linked Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 aimed at strengthening sustainable and community-driven rural drinking water governance in the state.
The MoU was signed as part of a broader Centre-State initiative involving Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, and seeks to ensure long-term, assured and quality drinking water supply to rural households through decentralised and service-oriented systems.
The agreement was signed by Swati Meena Naik, Joint Secretary (Water), Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), and Zarenthung Ezung, Secretary and Mission Director (JJM), Nagaland. It was exchanged by Sharon Longchari, Joint Resident Commissioner, Nagaland House.
The signing took place in the presence of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who joined the event virtually, along with PHED Minister Jacob Zhimomi and senior state officials.
The reform-linked MoU mandates a Gram Panchayat-led, community-centred water governance model, with emphasis on strengthened community participation, known as Jan Bhagidari. It also focuses on sustainable operation and maintenance of rural water supply systems, aiming to improve service delivery and ensure reliable access to safe drinking water.
Addressing the occasion, Union Minister for Jal Shakti CR Patil said JJM has transformed rural water access across the country and reduced the burden on women and children. He said JJM 2.0 will focus on sustaining infrastructure created under the mission, ensuring functionality of tap connections, water quality, source sustainability, and community ownership.
For Nagaland, the Union Minister expressed confidence that the remaining households will be provided tap connections this year, ensuring universal coverage and long-term sustainability of rural drinking water systems.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio described JJM as one of the most transformative rural development initiatives in the state. He said the mission has significantly improved living conditions in hilly and remote areas by bringing safe drinking water to households and reducing dependence on distant water sources.
He reaffirmed Nagaland’s commitment to the reform-driven framework under JJM 2.0, highlighting the importance of institutional strengthening, community ownership, and sustainable water management for long-term rural water security.
A key milestone in strengthening drinking water services in Nagaland: the State Govt. & @DoWRRDGR_MoJS signed & exchanged the MoU for the implementation of @jaljeevan_ 2.0 in the State, in the presence of Union Min. Shri @CRPaatil Ji, MoS @VSOMANNA_BJP Ji, & Shri @jacob_zhimomi. pic.twitter.com/Dg8BV0V53H
— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) June 2, 2026