C.R. Paatil Launches 'Ripples of Change' and Revamps Ministry Website

The publication is a collaborative effort between the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, and UNICEF India.

In a landmark event that highlighted both technological advancement and grassroots empowerment, the Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Paatil, today unveiled the inspiring book “Ripples of Change: Gender-transformative rural WASH programmes in India” at an event held in the national capital.

The publication is a collaborative effort between the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, and UNICEF India. It showcases ten compelling stories of change from across rural India, reflecting the deep and lasting impact of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) and Jal Jeevan Mission through the lens of gender equity, community participation, and innovative local leadership.

A Testament to Women’s Leadership and Community Power

“Ripples of Change is not just a book, it’s a movement captured in words,” said Shri Paatil in his keynote address. “These stories are living proof that when women lead, communities flourish. The missions of Swachh Bharat and Jal Jeevan are not just about toilets or taps — they are about dignity, empowerment, and the transformation of rural lives.”

Each story in the book documents how rural women, often overcoming significant barriers, have emerged as changemakers — championing safe water access, sanitation, hygiene awareness, and social equity within their villages. From Bihar to Karnataka, these stories reflect the powerful synergy between government initiatives and community ownership.

UNICEF India played a pivotal role in documenting these real-life narratives, ensuring they convey the human spirit, resilience, and progress that India's flagship WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programmes have brought to the grassroots.

Launch of the Revamped DDWS Website: A Leap Towards Digital Excellence

In a simultaneous launch, the Minister also inaugurated the newly upgraded website portal of the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation. The revamped website is among the first few Indian government platforms to be built in complete alignment with the Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM) and the Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW) 3.0.

The Minister emphasized that this digital transformation supports the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a harmonized and unified digital identity for all government entities in India. The redesigned website has been built to ensure:

• Enhanced Citizen Trust: Through standardized branding and a familiar user interface that strengthens confidence in digital governance

• Improved Accessibility: With inclusive design principles, multilingual content, better navigation, and compatibility for all users — including those with disabilities

• Higher Security and Compliance: Incorporating the latest cyber security protocols, compliance features, and technology best practices

• Increased Inclusivity and Efficiency: Offering seamless access and interaction for both Indian citizens and global audiences

Shri Paatil remarked, “Our upgraded website is more than just a digital facelift — it is a robust platform that symbolizes transparency, efficiency, and inclusion. This step makes the Ministry a model for digital governance in India.”

A Gathering of Visionaries

The event was attended by senior dignitaries, including the Secretary of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Secretary of the Department of Water Resources (DoWR), Mission Directors of Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) and Jal Jeevan Mission, Chief of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) at UNICEF India, as well as other stakeholders and partners.

Their presence highlighted the collaborative spirit that underpins the Ministry’s WASH initiatives — bringing together government officials, development agencies, and community leaders to work toward a common goal of universal access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Commitment to People-Centric Development

This dual launch marks a significant milestone in the Ministry’s journey toward inclusive, accessible, and citizen-led development. By combining grassroots storytelling with digital modernization, the Ministry of Jal Shakti has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to building a Swachh and Jal-Surakshit Bharat.

As the Ripples of Change book makes its way into the hands of policymakers, educators, and communities, it stands as a testament to how India's villages are rewriting their narratives — one empowered woman, one clean toilet, one glass of safe water at a time.