The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation on March 2, 2026 adopted the Seva Sankalp Resolution, reaffirming its commitment to service oriented governance and improved delivery of drinking water and sanitation services in rural India.
The Resolution was read out and discussed at a meeting held at the Department under the chairmanship of Ashok K K Meena, Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation. The meeting was organised in pursuance of the Cabinet Secretariat Office Memorandum dated February 25, 2026, calling upon Ministries and Departments to internalise the Seva Sankalp adopted by the Union Cabinet.
The initiative follows the first meeting of the Union Cabinet held on February 24, 2026 at Seva Teerth, where the Prime Minister articulated a renewed vision of governance founded on service, duty and dedication to citizens. Through the Seva Sankalp Resolution, the Cabinet reaffirmed that governance must be guided by constitutional values, transparency, accountability and the spirit of Nagrik Devo Bhava, with a focus on simplifying the life of the last person.
In alignment with this national resolve, officials of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation formally committed themselves to serving the nation with dedication, integrity and public responsibility. The Department resolved to ensure safe, reliable and sustainable drinking water and sanitation services at the village and household levels, translating policies and programmes into measurable outcomes on the ground.
The Resolution emphasises prudent and judicious use of public resources to maximise value for citizens. It also commits the Department to strengthening the capacities of Gram Panchayats and reinforcing accountability to Gram Sabhas, enabling local institutions to effectively plan, implement, operate and sustain drinking water and sanitation services.
The Department will work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, State Governments and other stakeholders to promote convergence and community participation. Officials pledged to reflect daily on how their work contributes to societal well being and to ensure that decision making remains focused on the needs of the last person standing.
Under Jal Jeevan Mission, the Department reiterated its commitment to providing safe, reliable and sustainable drinking water services to every rural household. Complementing this effort, under Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen, it will continue promoting cleanliness and sanitation as a daily community practice embedded in local governance and collective ownership.
The Seva Sankalp adopted by the Department underscores a service oriented work culture rooted in transparency, accountability and decentralised local governance, with the objective of ensuring dignity, ease of living and equitable access to drinking water and sanitation for all in rural India.
