Water has been a critical issue and needs huge investment in programmes that aim to provide access to water to all habitats. However, we have seen programmes like Jal Jeevan Mission, the Centre's flagship programme, saw an increase of just 15 per cent in the budget allocation in the recent Union budget for the financial year 2020-21. This increase is marginal compared
to the previous years. The marginal outlay to the mission at a time when India is facing an acute water crisis raises concern as to whether the funds are enough to meet the piped water dream
to all households. It is not just about the water supply schemes for providing potable water, but an investment in the entire water sector is a need of an hour. Considering this, a distinguished lecture will assess the government's allocation to the water
sector and will discuss how the growing water scarcity requires a serious engagement to tackle the challenge. Is the allocation enough to meet the needs of the water sector? will be the
question of assessment in the discourse.
Convener/s
R G Bawaskar, Director, Water Policy Center
