Water Management – Gujarat Rewards 258 Panchayats for Rural Supply
Water Management – The Gujarat government has distributed financial incentives worth Rs 5.16 crore to 258 Gram Panchayats located across 11 tribal districts, recognising their performance in maintaining and managing village-level water supply systems. The announcement was made on Friday by Water Supply Minister Ishwarsinh Patel, who said the support has been extended under the state’s Repair and Maintenance Incentive and Award Scheme.
Incentives Linked to Performance Standards
Under the scheme, each selected Gram Panchayat has been granted Rs 2 lakh after meeting specific performance benchmarks. Only those villages that secured more than 70 percent in a structured evaluation process qualified for the award.
The assessment considered several parameters, including the quality of drinking water, efficiency in addressing public complaints, revenue collection mechanisms, smooth water distribution, and proper management of system operators. The evaluation period covered April 2025 to January 2026.
Officials indicated that the initiative is designed not merely as a financial reward but as a performance-driven approach to strengthen grassroots governance in water management.
Focus on Tribal Districts
According to Minister Patel, the programme aligns with the broader goals of the Jal Jeevan Mission, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which aims to ensure tap water access to every rural household. The minister highlighted that tribal regions have been given particular attention to ensure that communities in remote areas receive reliable water services.
District-wise data shows Sabarkantha recorded the highest number of recognised villages at 57, followed by Tapi with 52. Bharuch accounted for 27 awardees, while Surat had 25 and Navsari 24. Valsad registered 20 villages, Banaskantha 17, Dang 16, and Aravalli 15. Dahod and Panchmahal reported three and two villages respectively under the incentive scheme.
The distribution reflects a broad geographical spread across tribal belts, where water supply management often faces logistical and infrastructural challenges.
Strengthening Local Accountability
Minister Patel explained that internal rural water supply schemes are operated by village-level water committees on behalf of the Gram Panchayats. These committees are responsible for overseeing daily operations, maintenance work, and collection of user charges.
He stressed that ensuring accountability at the local level remains essential for sustaining water infrastructure. Encouraging Panchayats to take ownership of maintenance responsibilities, he noted, reduces system breakdowns and improves service reliability.
By tying financial incentives to measurable outcomes, the government aims to promote a culture of responsibility and efficiency within rural administrative bodies.
Transparent Selection and Implementation Process
The scheme currently operates across 53 talukas in 14 tribal districts. Gram Panchayats voluntarily submit their applications, which are first reviewed by district-level committees headed by the District Development Officer.
Following district evaluation, recommendations are forwarded to a state-level committee for final approval. Once sanctioned, the incentive amount is released through the respective district Panchayats.
Officials stated that this structured process ensures fairness and uniformity in the selection of beneficiaries.
Long-Term Impact on Rural Water Systems
State authorities believe the initiative has introduced a more organised framework for managing village water schemes. Improved billing practices, better grievance redressal systems, and regular maintenance checks are expected to create lasting improvements in rural water governance.
The government maintains that sustained performance-based monitoring will help protect water infrastructure investments while ensuring uninterrupted supply to households. For tribal communities in particular, consistent access to safe drinking water remains central to public health and social development.