India, Feb. 4 -- Budget 2026-27 sharply increases allocations for rural drinking water and sanitation after deep cuts in last year's revised estimates

Nearly Rs 50,000 crore earmarked for Jal Jeevan Mission works in 2025-26 remained unspent, pointing to delays in implementation

Funding for Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) has been restored, with a renewed focus on waste management and sustaining ODF status

Higher grants to states suggest a push to speed up delivery, but questions remain over capacity and pace of execution

Big announcements for drinking water and sanitation in villages continue to face implementation challenges, despite fresh allocations in the Union Budget for 2026-27.

In the budget estimates for the financial year 202...