The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and Gendered Grassroots Development in South-West Garo Hills, Meghalaya

Author(s)	Mr. Wenfield D Sangma, Dr. P. G. J. Richard
Country	India
Abstract	Water is not only a basic requirement, but it is also a lifeline that determines health conditions,dignity and everyday survival. The Jal Jeevan Mission, with its vision of providing water for every household, has brought about beneficial change in rural India. In the South-West Garo Hills of Meghalaya, this mission is not only an infrastructure development initiative, but it is also a process of women and community involvement and grassroots development. It benefited the entire community, particularly women who had been responsible for fetching water from long distances and arranging it for their family's needs. After the implementation of JJM, women experienced relief in many aspects, time savings, and renewed confidence. Access to clean water has minimised hardship and enabled women to participate more extensively in education, livelihoods, and participatory community decision-making. This paper examined the relation between JJM and gendered realities. The paper also highlights the achievements and challenges of the scheme. Furthermore, the paper emphasises that water is not only a basic need but also a tool for gender justice, equality, and positive change.
Keywords	Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), Gender, Grassroots Development, Women’s Empowerment, South-West Garo Hills.
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 1, January-February 2026
Published On	2026-02-05
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i01.67388

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