The Uttarakhand ₹1 Tap Water Connection Scheme is a groundbreaking initiative under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) of the Government of India, designed to provide clean drinking water to every rural household at an extremely nominal cost of just ₹1 per connection. Launched in July 2020 by then Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, the scheme represents a significant step towards ensuring universal access to safe drinking water in the Himalayan state .
The primary objective of the scheme is to eliminate the financial barrier that prevents rural families from getting a legal tap water connection. Previously, the cost of a drinking water connection was ₹2,350, which many villagers could not afford . By reducing this fee to just ₹1, the government has made it possible for even the poorest households to access clean, piped drinking water.
The scheme is being implemented under the central government’s Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide tap water to every rural household in India by 2024 . As of March 2023, the Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan was actively providing connections under this scheme, with officials confirming the availability of ₹1 connections and urging eligible families to apply .
The scheme also features a recent innovative extension. In June 2025, the Dhami government announced the ‘Jalsakhi’ initiative, which will hand over responsibilities like rural drinking water supply and billing to women self-help groups (SHGs). Under this pilot project, selected SHGs will be trained as ‘Nal Jal Mitras’ (Tap Water Assistants) and will receive an incentive of ₹10 per bill along with a share in the revenue, empowering rural women while streamlining water services .
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Scheme Overview and Key Statistics
Overview Table:
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Uttarakhand ₹1 Tap Water Connection Scheme |
| State | Uttarakhand |
| Launch Date | July 2020 |
| Launching Authority | Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat |
| Implementing Department | Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan, Drinking Water Department |
| Central Scheme | Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) |
| Total Rural HH Identified | 14.61 lakh (as of Nov 2020) |
| Connections Provided | 3.59 lakh (as of Nov 2020) |
| Budget Allocated (2020-21) | ₹1,565.06 crore |
| Original Connection Fee | ₹2,350 |
| Subsidized Fee | ₹1 |
| Official Website | jalshakti-uttarakhand.gov.in |
Key Progress Table:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| HH Identified (Nov 2020) | 14.61 lakh across 13 districts |
| Connections Provided (Nov 2020) | 3.59 lakh (24.60% of target) |
| Target (Full) | 14,871 villages & 7,755 Gram Panchayats |
| Target Year | 2024 |
| Water Standard | 55 litres per person per day |
Key Takeaway: The scheme reduces the connection fee from ₹2,350 to ₹1, making tap water accessible to all rural households. While implementation has progressed, significant work remains to achieve the 2024 target.
Objectives of the Scheme
Primary Objectives:
1. Universal Access to Safe Drinking Water:
- To ensure every rural household in Uttarakhand has access to clean, piped drinking water.
- To fulfill the vision of the Jal Jeevan Mission at the state level.
2. Removal of Financial Barriers:
- To eliminate the economic obstacle of the ₹2,350 connection fee that prevents rural families from getting legal connections.
- To make tap water connections affordable for economically weaker sections.
3. Public Health Improvement:
- To reduce waterborne diseases by providing clean drinking water.
- To ensure a supply of at least 55 litres of water per person per day as per JJM standards .
4. Women Empowerment:
- The Jalsakhi initiative aims to empower rural women by involving them in water supply management.
- Women SHGs will earn an incentive of ₹10 per bill and revenue share, creating additional livelihood opportunities .
5. Sustainable Water Management:
- To streamline the water supply system in rural areas.
- To involve local communities in the maintenance and monitoring of water schemes.
Broader Impact:
The scheme has the potential to significantly improve the standard of living in rural Uttarakhand by ensuring access to clean water, reducing the burden of water collection on women, and improving public health outcomes.
Eligibility Criteria for the Scheme
Primary Eligibility Conditions:
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Residency | Must be a resident of Uttarakhand |
| Area | Rural areas of the state |
| Connection Status | Should not already have a functional tap water connection |
| Household Type | Individual household connection |
| Urban Applicability | Some reports indicate urban areas may also be covered |
Beneficiary Categories:
1. Rural Households:
- Families living in villages and remote areas of Uttarakhand.
- Those who currently lack a tap water connection.
2. Economically Weaker Sections:
- Families who cannot afford the regular connection fee of ₹2,350 .
- The scheme was specifically announced for economically weaker people .
3. Farmers:
- Rural residents can use the water for irrigation purposes.
Key Note: Under the scheme, only one water connection per household is provided .
How the Scheme Works
Implementation Mechanism:
1. Jal Jeevan Mission Framework:
- The scheme is part of the central Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in August 2019 by the Jal Shakti Ministry .
- The central government has allocated ₹3.60 lakh crore for the mission nationwide .
- The state government provides the subsidy to reduce the connection fee to ₹1.
2. Infrastructure Development:
- Overhead water tanks and tube wells are being constructed across the state .
- In the Lalkuan division, 31 overhead water tanks and 15 tube wells have been built .
- The target is to provide water supply for 16 hours a day in rural areas .
3. Role of Women SHGs (Jalsakhi Initiative):
- Women self-help groups will handle new connections, bill distribution, and revenue collection .
- They will be provided with water quality testing kits .
- Selected groups will be trained as Nal Jal Mitras .
Financial Assistance Breakdown:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Connection Fee | ₹1 per household |
| Original Fee | ₹2,350 |
| Subsidy by Govt | ₹2,349 per connection |
| Budget Allocation | ₹1,565 crore (2020-21) |
| Additional Benefit | Up to 20,000 litres water per month free (as per 2021 decision) |
Note: In January 2021, the state government also decided to provide up to 20,000 litres of water free per month to 18.5 lakh consumers in Uttarakhand, with 6.53 lakh in urban areas and 12 lakh in rural areas .
How to Apply for the Scheme
Step-by-Step Application Process:
Step 1: Visit the nearest Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan (Water Corporation) office in your area .
Step 2: Obtain the application form for the tap water connection .
Step 3: Fill in the required details:
- Applicant’s name
- Address
- Aadhaar number
- Gram Panchayat details
Step 4: Submit the form along with the required documents .
Step 5: Pay the nominal fee of ₹1 to the Jal Sansthan office .
Step 6: The Jal Sansthan will process your application and provide the connection .
Required Documents:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Identity verification |
| Residence Certificate | Proof of Uttarakhand residency |
| Gram Panchayat Certificate | Verification of rural address |
| Ration Card | Family details (if available) |
| Mobile Number | For communication |
Important: As of March 2023, applications are being actively accepted at the nearest Jal Sansthan offices. Executive Engineer Nand Kishore of the Lalkuan Division confirmed that the scheme is operational and applications are being processed .
Jalsakhi Initiative: A Game Changer
Overview:
The Jalsakhi initiative, announced by the Dhami government in June 2025, is set to revolutionize the water supply management in rural Uttarakhand by empowering women self-help groups .
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launched By | Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami |
| Launch Year | 2025 |
| Target Beneficiaries | Women SHG members |
| Role | Billing, new connections, revenue collection, maintenance |
| Incentive | ₹10 per bill + revenue share |
| Additional Support | Water quality testing kits provided |
| Training | As Nal Jal Mitras (Tap Water Friends) |
Impact Expected:
- Women Empowerment: Provides livelihood opportunities to rural women at their doorstep .
- Improved Service: Local women are better equipped to manage and monitor water supply systems.
- Revenue Generation: The scheme creates a self-sustaining model for rural water supply.
- Quality Assurance: Testing kits ensure safe drinking water.
Progress and Achievements
Key Achievements:
| Parameter | Status |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | July 2020 |
| Total HH Identified | 14.61 lakh |
| Connections Provided | 3.59 lakh (24.60% target) |
| Budget Approved | ₹1,565.06 crore |
| Villages Target | 14,871 villages |
| Gram Panchayats Target | 7,755 Gram Panchayats |
| Connections as of March 2023 | 12,884 in Lalkuan division alone |
| Free Water Limit | Up to 20,000 litres per month |
District-wise Progress (as of Nov 2020):
| District | Connections | % of Target |
|---|---|---|
| Dehradun | 100,749 | 83.50% |
| Chamoli | 32,945 | 44.51% |
| Nainital | 38,785 | 37.57% |
| Rudraprayag | 15,327 | 27.75% |
| Tehri | 24,848 | 18.98% |
| Pauri | 12,432 | 9.99% |
| Haridwar | 33,627 | 13.73% |
Recent Success (2023):
In the Lalkuan division alone, 12,884 families had received ₹1 water connections, with 1,018 more in process .
Important Links and Official Resources
| Resource | Link/Description |
|---|---|
| Official Website | jalshakti-uttarakhand.gov.in |
| Uttarakhand Government Portal | uk.gov.in |
| Jal Jeevan Mission | jjm.gov.in |
Helpline:
For any queries or application issues, contact:
- Nearest Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan office
- Executive Engineer, Jal Sansthan Division (District-wise)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Uttarakhand ₹1 Tap Water Connection Scheme?
The Uttarakhand ₹1 Tap Water Connection Scheme is an initiative under the Jal Jeevan Mission that provides tap water connections to rural households in Uttarakhand at a nominal fee of ₹1, reduced from the earlier ₹2,350 .
Who is eligible for the scheme?
Rural households in Uttarakhand that do not have a functional tap water connection are eligible. The scheme is specifically targeted at economically weaker sections .
How can I apply for the scheme?
Visit your nearest Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan office, fill out the application form, submit the required documents, and pay the ₹1 fee .
What documents are required for the scheme?
You need an Aadhaar Card, Residence Certificate, Gram Panchayat Certificate, and a valid mobile number .
When was the scheme launched?
The scheme was launched in July 2020 by Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat .
What is the Jalsakhi initiative?
Jalsakhi is a 2025 initiative that empowers women self-help groups to manage rural water supply, billing, and maintenance. They receive an incentive of ₹10 per bill and a revenue share .
Is there a water usage limit under the scheme?
As of January 2021, the state government decided to provide up to 20,000 litres of water per month free of cost to 18.5 lakh consumers .
What is the total budget for the scheme?
A budget of ₹1,565.06 crore was approved for the financial year 2020-21 under the Jal Jeevan Mission for Uttarakhand .
How many households have benefited from the scheme?
As of November 2020, 3.59 lakh connections had been provided across the state, and the target is to cover 14.61 lakh rural households .
Where is the scheme being implemented?
The scheme is primarily focused on rural areas across all 13 districts of Uttarakhand, covering 14,871 villages .