Parliament Question: FHTCs under JJM in Bihar

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI DEPARTMENT OF DRINKING WATER & SANITATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3208 ANSWERED ON 06/08/2026 FHTCs UNDER JJM IN BIHAR

3208. SHRI ARUN BHARTI:

SHRI RAJESH VERMA:

DR. LATA WANKHEDE:

SMT. SHAMBHAVI:

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

(a) the physical progress achieved in providing Functional Household Tap Connections

(FHTCs) under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Bihar during 2025-26;

(b) the total Central financial assistance allocated, released and utilised by the State implementing agencies for rural water supply projects in Bihar during the last one year;

(c) the total number of Gram Panchayats in Bihar that have been declared as 'Har Ghar Jal' certified by the Village Water and Sanitation Committees;

(d) whether the Government has identified recurring delays in laying water distribution networks due to flooding or difficult terrain in the northern districts of Bihar and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government to ensure the continuous operation and maintenance of piped water supply schemes by local Panchayats in Bihar? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI (SHRI V. SOMANNA)

(a) Drinking water is a State subject, and therefore, the responsibility for planning, approval, implementation, operation and maintenance of drinking water supply schemes, including those under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), lies with the respective State/UT Governments. The Government of India supplements the efforts of the States/UTs by providing financial and technical assistance for implementation of the Mission.

Since August 2019, Government of India, in partnership with States/UTs including Bihar, has been implementing JJM – Har Ghar Jal to make provision of tap water supply to every rural household of the country. In March 2026, the Union Cabinet has approved extension of the JJM up to December 2028, with an enhanced outlay and a restructured implementation Page 1 of 2framework focusing on structural reforms in the rural drinking water supply sector under JJM

2.0.

At the start of the Mission, around 3.16 lakh (1.89 %) rural households were reported to have tap water connections in State of Bihar. So far, as reported by the State on JJM-IMIS, around

1.57 crore rural households have been provided with tap water connections. Thus, as on

19.07.2026, out of 1.67 crore rural households in the State, around 1.60 crore (95.71%) households are reported to have tap water connections in their homes. Further, as reported by the State, during 2025-26, the state has provided 737 tap water connections.

(b) No central financial assistance has been allocated or released to State of Bihar during 2025-

26.

(c) As reported by State of Bihar on JJM-IMIS, 741 Gram Panchayats have been certified as Har Ghar Jal.

(d) As informed by State government of Bihar, certain districts in North Bihar are prone to annual flooding, waterlogging, river course changes and difficult geographical conditions, which occasionally affect the execution of water supply schemes, including laying of distribution of pipelines. Such challenges are generally experienced in districts adjoining major rivers such as Kosi, Gandak, Bagmati, Kamla, Burhi Gandak and Mahananda. The State Department addresses these challenges through suitable engineering interventions, revise work planning, elevated structures wherever required, protective measures and close monitoring for timely completion of schemes.

(e) As informed by State government of Bihar, several measures have been undertaken to ensure sustainable operation and maintenance of rural piped water supply schemes. These

include: i. Capacity building and training of local functionaries; ii. Regular water quality monitoring and surveillance through NABL accredited laboratories; iii. Periodic inspection and monitoring by Public Health Engineering officials; and iv. Prompt rectification of operational issues to ensure uninterrupted supply of safe drinking water.

Further, Ward Implementation Management Committees (WIMCs)/Panchayats have been entrusted with responsibilities relating to testing of water quality using Field Testing Kits

(FTKs), collection of water user charges, monitoring the functioning of water supply schemes, and organizing Jal Chaupals. ***** Page 2 of 2