1. Introduction to National WASH Experts (NWE) and JJM

1.1 Q: What is the role of NWEs in the Jal Jeevan Mission?  

A: National WASH Experts (NWEs) are responsible for:

• Ensuring the quality and functionality of Household tap connections and monitoring the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) across rural areas. 

• Technical assessment of implementation of schemes as per DPR - ground truthing

• Village action plan verification and incorporation in GPDP planning

• Ratings of villages as per the satisfactory, satisfactory but needs improvement, and unsatisfactory implementation of work

• Provide technical assistance to states 

• Check VWSC/Pani Samiti functionality status 

• Assessment of Water quality surveillance and monitoring mechanism in village

• Community testing of water quality through FTKs, and testing of water   

• Record verification of grievance redressal, Operation and maintenance mechanism for smooth functioning of schemes

• Submit the visit report for the assessment done as per the approved format by MoJS depicting the shortcomings and the improvement needed in the components.

• They help monitor water supply systems, liaise with local authorities, and guide communities on water quality management. 

• NWEs also provide recommendations for corrective actions, ensure the operational sustainability of the FHTCs, and support in certifying villages as 'Har Ghar Jal'.

1.2 Q: What is the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)?  

A: JJM is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at providing safe and adequate drinking water to rural households through tap connections, ensuring sustainability and accessibility for every household. The mission focuses on promoting local community participation, water conservation, source sustainability, and improving water quality through well-planned infrastructure and service delivery.

2. How are NWEs Empanelled?

A: Rolling advertisement for inviting applications for empanelment and deployment of Sector Experts for ground truthing and technical assistance in the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission through link - https://ejalshakti.gov.in/niwas

3. Deployment and Visit Planning

3.1 Q: How are NWEs deployed for field visits? 

A: NWEs are deployed monthly by the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) authorities. Deployment letters specifying the locations to visit are usually issued towards the middle of the month. Deployment is done by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, and NWEs are notified via official communication.

3.2 Q: What are the guidelines for selecting additional villages if required?

A: If the number of assigned PWSS is less than 15, NWEs may need to visit additional villages. These villages should be selected in consultation with local officials, focusing on districts with different statuses such as Har Ghar Jal certified villages or those with ongoing JJM projects. Selection should ensure comprehensive coverage to verify the effectiveness of household tap connections.

3.3 Q: How should NWEs plan their visits, considering the official deployment letters?  

A: NWEs should wait for official deployment letters before booking travel arrangements. 

4. Field Visit and Reporting

4.1 Q: What is the procedure for visiting PWSS? 

A: NWEs need to assess the functionality of PWSS, collect water samples (both raw and treated), and record the results in the provided formats. The focus should be on verifying water quality, assessing operational processes, understanding community usage, and documenting any issues. They must also evaluate whether the FHTCs meet the daily requirements for drinking water in terms of quality and quantity (55 LPCD).

4.2 Q: What documents or forms need to be filled during and after visits?  

A: NWEs need to complete specific forms, including four tables related to FHTC functionality. These forms capture water quality data, community feedback, the status of Piped Water Supply (PWS), and any required maintenance. In addition to these forms, NWEs may need to prepare a summary report highlighting key findings, challenges, and recommended actions.

4.3 Q: Are there specific guidelines for testing and reporting water quality? 

A: Water samples of both raw and treated water must be taken from PWSS and tested at certified laboratories (e.g., District Level Laboratories or DLLs). Results must be recorded in the given formats, and the information is crucial for evaluating the overall safety of the water supplied. In some cases, additional testing may be required if discrepancies are found during preliminary assessments.

5. Interaction with Local Authorities

5.1 Q: How should NWEs approach state or district-level officials?  

A: NWEs should coordinate with State Nodal Officers, district officials, and executive engineers to facilitate their visits. Clear communication and sharing official letters are essential for gaining cooperation. It is also important to provide authorities with a clear schedule and purpose of the visit to ensure that required personnel and documents are available during the assessment.

5.2 Q: What should NWEs do if local authorities are non-cooperative?  

A: NWEs should document instances of non-cooperation and escalate them to JJM authorities for resolution. In some cases, sharing identity proof or deployment orders with local officials helps resolve issues. It is also advisable to provide formal reminders through written communication to encourage cooperation.

6. Travel and Logistics

6.1 Q: What are the recommended procedures for booking travel?  

A: NWEs should ideally book travel once official deployment letters are issued to avoid issues with timing and coordination. During festive seasons, booking early is advisable. Coordination with fellow NWEs is important to ensure efficient travel planning, especially when visits involve multiple experts covering the same region.

6.2 Q: Are NWEs required to wait for official letters before making travel bookings?  

A: Yes, it is strongly recommended to wait for the official communication from JJM authorities before making any travel bookings. This ensures that plans align with mission requirements and any changes to deployment can be accommodated without unnecessary expenses.

7. Administrative Requests

7.1 Q: How should NWEs request exemption from deployment for medical or personal reasons?  

A: NWEs can request exemptions by directly communicating with the deployment officer. Medical reasons should be supported by appropriate documentation. It is also recommended to suggest an alternate NWE who can take up the visit to minimize the impact on the overall schedule.

6.2 Q: What are the guidelines for identity cards for NWEs?  

A: Currently, they are advised to carry deployment letters to prove their official role, while JJM authorities work on providing formal ID cards. Identity cards will facilitate smoother coordination with local officials and community members during field visits.

7. Special Visits

7.1 Q: What are the differences between special visits and regular PWSS inspections?  

A: Special visits focus solely on FHTCs, and NWEs are not required to fill out additional reports such as Star Ratings or SBM forms. Special visits typically occur when there is an urgent need to verify water quality issues or check FHTC operations. Regular visits, however, involve a broader inspection that may include village ratings, sanitation assessments under SBM, and evaluations of household tap connections.

7.2 Q: When should NWEs focus only on FHTCs, and when should other forms like SBM be filled?  

A: For special visits, NWEs are to concentrate only on FHTCs. If less than 15 FHTCs are found, additional villages are to be visited, and reports like SBM forms should be filled. In other circumstances, NWEs should follow the comprehensive guidelines, which involve filling both FHTC and village-level assessment forms.

8. Community Interaction

8.1 Q: What is the role of NWEs in interacting with local communities regarding PWSS?  

A: NWEs must interact with community members to understand their perceptions of PWSS, identify issues with water quality, and assess satisfaction levels. NWEs should assess how well the community understands the use of FHTCs, any operational difficulties they face, and their overall acceptance. This information is crucial for the assessment reports and for suggesting improvements.

8.2 Q: How should NWEs document community feedback?  

A: Community feedback should be documented in the provided reporting formats. Feedback should cover aspects such as the quality of water received, the reliability of supply, the perceived benefits, and any issues they face. Such detailed documentation helps in evaluating the acceptance and functionality of PWSS.

9. Performance and Functionality Assessment

9.1 Q: How is the functionality of PWSS assessed?

A: NWEs assess functionality by checking the water quality, operational status, and capacity to provide adequate drinking water. They must inspect the treatment process, evaluate the adequacy of infrastructure, check maintenance protocols, and interview community members to determine satisfaction. The assessment also involves evaluating how well the PWSS is managed in terms of upkeep, response time for repairs, and operational sustainability.

9.2 Q: What are the criteria for determining the effectiveness of FHTC installations? 

A: Effectiveness is determined by the quality of water, community satisfaction, maintenance status, and the FHTCs ability to meet JJM norms . Additional criteria include operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, the impact on public health, and evidence of improvements in local water quality.

10. Pending Issues and Escalation

10.1 Q: How should NWEs handle delays in TA bills?  

A: NWEs should remind the concerned authorities through written communication or escalate the issue in the NWE WhatsApp group for further follow-up by senior officers. Persistent issues may require escalation through formal channels, including official letters to the administrative heads.

10.2 Q: What should NWEs do if their name is missing from deployment lists?  

A: NWEs should immediately bring it to the attention of the deployment officer or escalate it to group admins. Rechecking both arsenic and fluoride lists is also advised, as names may appear in different categories. It is also helpful to contact fellow NWEs to ensure a coordinated approach in resolving such issues.

11. Additional Resources

11.1 Q: Where can NWEs find additional guidelines and formats for their reporting?  

A: Guidelines and formats are typically shared in the WhatsApp group by deployment officers. Additionally, NWEs can visit official JJM websites and portals for further resources. The Jal Jeevan Mission portal (https://ejalshakti.gov.in) provides extensive documentation, circulars, and reporting formats for NWEs to refer.

11.2 Q: Are there any recommended online tools or portals to stay updated about JJM?  

A: NWEs are encouraged to follow the Jal Jeevan Mission's social media pages on platforms like Twitter (https://twitter.com/JalJeevanMission), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/JalJeevanMission), LinkedIn, and Instagram for the latest updates and resources. Additionally, the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s official website (https://jalshakti-ddws.gov.in) provides up-to-date guidelines, success stories, and official notifications relevant to fieldwork.

Refer Detailed Guidelines