Har Ghar Jal Initiative Empowers 9 Crore Women in India
The ‘Har Ghar Jal’ initiative by the Indian government has significantly impacted the lives of nearly 9 crore women, as highlighted in a report by the State Bank of India (SBI). This program has reduced the need for women to fetch water from distant places, allowing them to join the workforce, particularly in agriculture.
Impact on Women’s Daily Lives
The initiative provides tap water directly to households, saving time for millions of women who previously spent long hours collecting water. This change has enabled them to contribute more to agricultural and allied activities, leading to a noticeable increase in women’s participation in these sectors.
Statistical Insights
The report notes an 8.3 percentage point decline in households fetching water from outside, resulting in a 7.4 percentage point rise in female participation in agriculture. Most states have seen a reduction in reliance on external water sources, boosting the number of working women in agriculture.
Progress in Key States
States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra have made significant progress, lifting around 10 crore people out of water deprivation over the past decade. The initiative has been a catalyst for social change, empowering women and enhancing gender equality, agricultural productivity, and rural livelihoods.
Doubts Revealed
Har Ghar Jal -: ‘Har Ghar Jal’ is a program by the Indian government aimed at providing safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections to every rural home in India.
9 Crore -: 9 Crore means 90 million. In India, a crore is a unit in the Indian numbering system equal to ten million.
State Bank of India -: The State Bank of India (SBI) is the largest public sector bank in India, providing a range of banking services to individuals and businesses.
Tap Water -: Tap water is water that comes directly from a tap or faucet, which is connected to a water supply system, making it easily accessible for household use.
Agriculture -: Agriculture is the practice of farming, which includes growing crops and raising animals for food, fiber, and other products used to sustain and enhance human life.
Gender Equality -: Gender equality means that people of all genders have equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities. It is about treating everyone fairly and without discrimination.
Rural Livelihoods -: Rural livelihoods refer to the ways in which people living in rural areas earn their living, often through farming, fishing, or other local industries.