Union Minister CR Paatil Launches ‘Ripples of Change’ Book and Upgraded Jal Shakti Website

New Delhi: The Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti, CR Paatil, today launched the book “Ripples of Change: Gender-transformative Rural WASH Programmes in India” at an event in New Delhi. The book, a joint publication by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, and UNICEF India, highlights ten impactful stories from rural India, showcasing the transformative influence of Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) and Jal Jeevan Mission on gender empowerment, community leadership, and grassroots innovation.

During the event, the Minister also unveiled the upgraded Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation) website portal, making it one of the first government platforms to fully comply with the latest Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM) and Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW) 3.0. The revamped portal aligns with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a unified digital identity for government services. The enhanced website ensures improved accessibility through inclusive design, multilingual support, and user-friendly navigation. It enhances citizen trust by maintaining standardized branding and a recognizable interface. Higher security and compliance have been achieved through updated security protocols and technology integration. The platform also allows seamless interaction with both domestic users and global stakeholders, promoting wider inclusivity and efficiency.

Speaking at the event, Union Minister CR Paatil stated that the stories in Ripples of Change serve as a reminder that when women lead, change follows. He emphasized that the book is not just a collection of stories but a testament to the silent revolutions happening in villages across India. He noted that the missions of Swachh Bharat and Jal Jeevan go beyond infrastructure and focus on dignity, empowerment, and transformation. Under the visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, he expressed pride in the Ministry’s efforts in setting new benchmarks in digital governance with the launch of the upgraded website, which is modern, secure, inclusive, and citizen-centric.

The event reaffirmed the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and community-driven development. Senior officials, including Secretary DDWS, Secretary-DoWR, Mission Directors of SBM(G) and JJM, and the Chief of WASH at UNICEF India, were present at the occasion, reinforcing the collaborative efforts in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives.