Thu Dec 12 13:46:47 UTC 2024: ## Jal Jeevan Mission Empowers Rural Women, Boosts Workforce Participation: PM Modi

**New Delhi:** Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the transformative impact of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) on rural women’s empowerment, citing a recent State Bank of India report. The report reveals a significant correlation between increased access to piped water and enhanced female participation in the workforce.

The JJM, launched on August 15, 2019, aims to provide every rural household with a tap water connection. The initiative has already connected 11.96 crore households by October 10, 2024, bringing clean drinking water to 78.62% of rural homes. This has led to a notable decrease in the time and effort women spend collecting water, freeing them to engage in other activities.

The SBI report indicates an 8.3% reduction in households collecting water from outside sources nationwide, resulting in a 7.4% increase in women’s participation in agriculture and related work. States like Bihar and Assam have witnessed particularly significant growth, with a 28% increase in female workforce participation. Similar positive trends are visible in Uttar Pradesh (17.3% increase in women’s participation in agriculture), Odisha (14.8% increase in female workforce participation alongside a 17.3% reduction in water collection), and West Bengal (15.2% increase in female workforce participation). Even non-BJP governed states like Telangana (30.3% reduction in water collection) and Andhra Pradesh (9% reduction) show positive outcomes.

The JJM’s success is not limited to specific states; improvements are evident across various regions, even in remote areas. The reduction in waterborne diseases and improved overall health are additional benefits highlighted in the study. With a budget of ₹3.60 lakh crore shared between the central and state governments, the JJM continues its mission to provide every home with clean drinking water. PM Modi lauded the mission’s success in empowering women and improving their livelihoods.

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