In a recent report by the 15th Finance Commission covering 2021-26, it was highlighted that Gujarat, despite facing water scarcity, has made strides in providing piped water supply. The report revealed that Gujarat ranks second in the country for the highest percentage of rural households with piped water connections, standing at an impressive 79%, compared to the national average of only 18.3%.

By 2023, the state had reached an outstanding 91.18% coverage of households through water projects supported by the 15th Finance Commission.

As per the latest data, the Households provided with tap water connection since the launch of the Mission are 26,02,191 and the total households with tap water connections to date are 91,18,449 (100%), meaning every home in Gujarat state has tapped water connection. Nal se Jal Yojna has been implemented well in the entire state. 

On top of that, since August 2019, the Government of India, in partnership with States, has implemented the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)–Har Ghar Jal to provide for the provision of tap water supply to every rural household by 2024. Water is a State subject and hence, the primary responsibility lies with the concerned State and Union Territories to plan and implement piped water supply schemes to provide tap water to their households.

Minister of state for Jal Shakti, Prahlad Singh Patel stated that Gujarat's total rural household as of July 26, 2023, was 91.18%.  Households provided tap water connections were 1.06% in 2019-2020, 10.95% in  2020-2021, 8.99% in 2021-2022, 5.03% in 2022-2023. 

As of July 26, 2023, 65,826 villages out of 1,76,363 villages have been certified as ‘Har Ghar Jal’ villages by the implementing departments in the Union Territories.

In the 15th Finance Commission (2022-23 to 2025-26) the Commission has a tight grant of 50% for works like drinking water facilities, sewerage and untied grants for stormwater drainage, internal paved roads, primary education and Anganwadi centres. Works like basic service are carried out. The payment of this work is done online through the e-Gram Swaraj portal through a digital signature key.

The government has started the Nal Se Jal scheme and on the other hand, in 2015, in the finance commission, 50% of the works are to be done with sewerage and water works.

Now, due to the rules, the village sarpanches are currently facing confusion about what to do next, how to use the grant money for other required development work, and how to prioritise the development tasks with funds on hand. 

Highlighting rural area problems, Independent MLA of Bayad Dhavalsingh Jhala said on this issue that drinking water does not reach some high altitude areas in some rural areas and drinking water comes once or twice a week so if a motor is placed in the sump so that water can be given daily, and Nal Se Jal Yojana water pipes which have been laid, can be used.