The Centre has directed states to leverage VB-G RAM G funds for enhancing drinking water source sustainability under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 by integrating both initiatives. This directive was highlighted by two Central Secretaries — Ashok K.K. Meena, Secretary of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, and Rohit Kansal, Secretary of the Department of Rural Development — in a joint letter addressed to Principal Secretaries and Commissioners overseeing VB-G RAM G in various states.

Integrated Planning Emphasized

In their correspondence, the secretaries underscored the importance of integrated planning. They stated,

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"Drinking water source sustainability works under JJM 2.0, greywater management interventions, and sanitation and Solid & Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) works under SBM(G) 2.0 shall be integrated into the Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans (VGPPs) under the appropriate thematic categories of the VB-G RAM G Act, ensuring that the implementations are guided by water budgeting, local resource assessment and water security plans."

The secretaries pointed out that the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025, which took effect on July 1, replaces the MGNREGA and offers a comprehensive statutory framework for creating durable rural assets through community-led planning and convergence.