Under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), Gram Panchayats (GPs) and their subcommittees, including Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) and User Groups are pivotal in achieving universal Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) in rural India. These committees serve as legal entities under the 73rd Amendment of the Constitution, ensuring community involvement in planning, implementing, managing, operating, and maintaining in-village water supply infrastructure.
- In line with this vision, IMAGIN, as an Implementation Support Agency (ISA), is actively collaborating with 1,069 VWSCs across Murshidabad, Birbhum, Nadia, and North 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal.
By employing Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods, IMAGIN has successfully mobilized communities, strengthened local governance, and promoted inclusive decision-making in water supply management.
Key Highlights of IMAGIN’s Work
1. Building Inclusive Committees:
Each VWSC comprises representatives from diverse groups, including elected Panchayat members, women (50% representation), and weaker sections of the community (SC/ST). This inclusive approach fosters equity and ensures that the needs of all community members are addressed.
2. Community Engagement through PRA:
PRA methods have been instrumental in empowering villagers to analyze their water-related challenges and develop locally relevant solutions. These participatory tools ensure the active involvement of all stakeholders, creating a sense of ownership and accountability.
3. Capacity Building:
IMAGIN conducts regular training sessions for VWSC members on water quality monitoring, operation and maintenance of infrastructure, and financial management. This knowledge transfer enhances the long-term sustainability of water supply systems.
4. Facilitating Community Contributions:
Mobilizing financial and in-kind contributions from communities has been a key success factor. These contributions reflect the villagers’ commitment to maintaining the water supply infrastructure.
Reactions from VWSC Members-Kajola Khatun Bibi , VWSC Member & Pradhan of Juranpur GP of Murshidabad
:
“For the first time, women like me are part of decision-making for something as essential as water. It feels empowering to have a voice and contribute to solutions for our village.”
• Radha Karmakar , VWSC Member from , Nadia:
“IMAGIN’s guidance has helped us understand how to manage water supply systems effectively. Our village now has clean water, and we feel proud to maintain it ourselves.”
IMAGIN’s collaboration with VWSCs is transforming rural water governance in West Bengal. By fostering community ownership, inclusivity, and sustainability, the initiative ensures that every rural household has access to clean water, fulfilling the goals of the Jal Jeevan Mission. The enthusiasm and dedication of the VWSC members highlight the potential of grassroots efforts in achieving large-scale development goals. Through continued support and innovation, IMAGIN aims to expand its impact, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for rural communities across India.
