Jal Shakti Ministry Launches Digital System For Rural Water Transparency Representational Image File | Photo Credit: PTI | The Hindu
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Jal Shakti Ministry Launches Digital System For Rural Water Transparency

Unique RPWSS IDs and GIS-Based Asset Registry to Create Digital Public Infrastructure for Water Management

Editor Water Today

The Ministry of Jal Shakti is set to roll out an upgraded Rural Piped Water Supply Schemes (RPWSS) module to significantly enhance monitoring, transparency, and accountability of rural drinking water services under the Jal Jeevan Mission. This move represents a major digital transformation in rural water governance. The core of this system is the introduction of unique RPWSS IDs, which will provide every rural piped water scheme with a traceable digital identity, effectively creating a comprehensive digital registry of these vital assets.

The new system is designed to enable real-time tracking, geo-tagging, and data-driven monitoring of water infrastructure, making the operation and maintenance of schemes more efficient and transparent. Crucially, the upgraded platform will build Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for water management by creating a GIS-based asset registry linked via the PM Gati Shakti platform. This registry will provide end-to-end visibility of water supply networks, connecting sources, treatment plants, pipelines, and household connections.

The core of the new system: A visual representation of the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) launched by the Jal Shakti Ministry

This initiative aims to empower local bodies by providing Panchayats and Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) with real-time, verified data to monitor system functionality and water quality, thus enabling better grassroots decision-making. Officials are urging states and Union Territories to complete the creation of RPWSS IDs by November 2025 to ensure comprehensive coverage. Beyond improving service delivery, the platform is expected to generate new local livelihood opportunities in data management and asset mapping across rural areas.

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