Union Minister of Jal Shakti C R Patil, a close associate of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, spoke to DH's Amrita Madhukalya about the Prime Minister's governance and key achievements over the past 12 years. The interview focused on sanitation initiatives, the progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission, and the outlook for 2029.
Sanitation Push and Achievements
Patil emphasized the government's commitment to sanitation, noting that over 10 crore toilets have been built under the Swachh Bharat Mission, leading to a significant improvement in rural sanitation coverage from 39% in 2014 to 100% today. He attributed this success to Prime Minister Modi's vision and the active participation of citizens.
According to Patil, the sanitation drive has not only improved health outcomes but also empowered women, who no longer have to wait for darkness to relieve themselves. He stated, "The Swachh Bharat Mission has transformed rural India, and we are now focused on sustaining the gains through solid and liquid waste management."
Jal Jeevan Mission Progress
Discussing the Jal Jeevan Mission, Patil revealed that over 12 crore rural households now have tap water connections, up from just 3.23 crore in 2019 when the mission was launched. The target is to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) to all rural households by 2024, with 20 crore connections planned.
He highlighted that the mission has created employment opportunities and boosted local economies. "The Jal Jeevan Mission is not just about water; it's about dignity and development," Patil said, adding that the program has also led to a reduction in waterborne diseases.
Outlook for 2029
Looking ahead to 2029, Patil expressed confidence that the Modi government would continue to prioritize water security and sanitation. He outlined plans to expand the Jal Jeevan Mission to urban areas and integrate it with other schemes like the AMRUT mission. Patil also stressed the need for community participation and technological innovation to ensure sustainable water management.
He said, "By 2029, we aim to make India water-secure, with every household having access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation facilities."
Prime Minister Modi's Governance
Patil praised Modi's leadership, describing him as a "decisive and visionary leader" who has transformed India's development trajectory. He noted that Modi's focus on governance, transparency, and accountability has led to improved service delivery and greater public trust.
"The Prime Minister's dedication to the welfare of the poor and marginalized is unparalleled," Patil said, citing schemes like Ujjwala, Ayushman Bharat, and PM Awas Yojana as examples of inclusive development.
