SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as one of the leading performers in monitoring drinking water quality at Anganwadi centres, with nearly 2.93 lakh water samples tested in laboratories since 2022 under the Centre’s Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), according to data tabled in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
The figures, shared by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in response to an unstarred question, show that 34,168 samples were tested in 2022-23, rising to 61,925 in 2023-24, 70,569 in 2024-25, and peaking at 96,270 in 2025-26. In the current financial year 2026-27, 29,708 samples had already been tested as of July 24, 2026.
The ministry said drinking water is a State subject, and the responsibility for planning, implementation, operation and maintenance of drinking water supply schemes rests with the respective State and Union Territory governments. However, under the Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in August 2019, the Centre is working with States and UTs to provide potable tap water to every rural household, including schools and Anganwadi centres.
The reply noted that the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS:10500) norms are followed as the benchmark for water quality under the mission. It added that Field Test Kits (FTKs) are being promoted for community-based surveillance of drinking water quality at villages, schools and Anganwadi centres, alongside awareness and behaviour change activities.
To strengthen monitoring, the Centre has also developed the JJM Water Quality Management Information System (WQMIS), an online platform through which States and UTs upload water quality testing reports and related information.
The ministry further informed Parliament that under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, States and UTs receive Rs 17,000 per Anganwadi centre for providing drinking water facilities. In addition, two lakh Anganwadi centres located in government buildings have been sanctioned for upgradation into Saksham Anganwadis, equipped with facilities such as water filtration systems, LED screens, Poshan Vatikas and Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) infrastructure.
The reply did not provide state-wise data on unsafe water samples or Anganwadi centres lacking potable drinking water facilities, but stated that water quality surveillance is being carried out through the JJM framework and the WQMIS portal.
