Chandigarh, May 25: Haryana Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi on Monday reviewed the progress of implementation of the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Policy-2026 for Rural Water Supply Schemes and reiterated the state's commitment towards strengthening sustainable, efficient and citizen-centric drinking water services across rural Haryana.

 During the review meeting, the Chief Secretary assessed various components of the policy and emphasized that ensuring access to safe drinking water requires not only the creation of infrastructure but also a robust mechanism for its long-term operation and maintenance. He stressed the need for continuous monitoring, strong institutional support and active participation of communities to ensure uninterrupted water supply services.

Sh. Rastogi stated that the policy has been formulated to promote a decentralized and community-driven model of rural water management, empowering villages to take greater ownership in the operation, maintenance and sustainability of their water supply systems. He directed officials to develop model villages in every district to demonstrate the effective on-ground implementation of the policy and encourage wider community participation across the state.

Village-Level Institutions to Play a Key Role

Commissioner & Secretary, Public Health Engineering, Sh. J. Ganesan highlighted that Village Water and Sewerage Committees (VWSCs) have been entrusted with a central role under the policy framework. These committees will be responsible for planning, monitoring, infrastructure management, grievance redressal, billing, collection of user charges and maintaining records related to village water supply systems. The committees will also monitor repair work, supervise maintenance activities and coordinate with technical teams of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) for timely resolution of issues.

The Chief Secretary directed all Deputy Commissioners to hold meetings of the District Water and Sewerage Mission (DWSM) for smooth implementation of the Operation and Maintenance Policy-2026 and to extend full coordination and administrative support to all concerned departments, Gram Panchayats, and Village Water & Sewerage Committees (VWSCs).

Women Participation to Strengthen Grassroots Governance

A significant feature of the policy is its emphasis on inclusive governance and women's participation in decision-making processes. Officials informed that at least 50 percent representation of women has been ensured in Village Water and Sewerage Committees, reflecting the government's commitment towards empowering women at the grassroots level.

Women associated with Self Help Groups (SHGs) are also being actively involved in various activities, including generation and distribution of water bills, collection of user charges, water quality testing and complaint redressal mechanisms. The initiative is expected to strengthen both service delivery and economic empowerment of rural women by creating additional income-generating opportunities.

Technology to Bring Transparency and Better Services

The Chief Secretary also reviewed technology-driven initiatives aimed at improving transparency and efficiency in water management systems. Citizens are being provided multiple digital payment facilities through Bharat Bill Pay and other online platforms, enabling easier and faster payment of water charges. An integrated complaint redressal mechanism has also been established through various digital platforms, including online portals and service applications, to ensure timely response to public grievances.

Citizen Grievance Redressal System to be Strengthened

 A centralized complaint redressal system has been established through the toll-free number 1800-180-5678, and grievance redressal will be facilitated by Self Help Groups (SHGs) with the support of Village Water and Sewerage Committees (VWSCs) and PHED. Further, PHED has been mandated to ensure time-bound redressal of citizens’ complaints under the prescribed Right to Service timelines.

Financial Support to Strengthen Water Infrastructure

The Chief Secretary also reviewed the financial assistance and incentive structure designed under the policy to strengthen operation and maintenance of rural water systems. Under the framework, financial support is being extended to Gram Panchayats for repair and maintenance activities, while incentives have also been introduced to encourage collection of user charges. Officials informed that the government has developed a structured fund flow mechanism to ensure availability of resources for maintenance and operational activities at the village level.

Officials stated that the O&M Policy-2026 is expected to significantly improve operational efficiency, transparency and long-term sustainability of rural drinking water infrastructure across Haryana while promoting a stronger sense of ownership among local communities.

Additional Chief Secretary, Development & Panchayats, Sh. Vijayendra Kumar, Director, Development & Panchayats, Sh. Anish Yadav, and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

 No. IPRDH/2026