Assam Government Halts Jal Jeevan Mission Activities Amid Corruption Allegations, Congress Demands CBI Inquiry
The Assam government has suspended all activities under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), citing major lapses in quality and adherence to timelines. This decision has prompted the opposition Congress party to call for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the matter. Assam Congress President Bhupen Borah held a press conference today, expressing serious concerns over alleged corruption associated with the project and demanding accountability from state officials.
Borah stated that the government’s decision to stop JJM operations stems from the underperformance of contractors, who failed to meet the six-month deadline for completing Single Village Schemes. The directive, issued by Kailash Karthik N., Secretary to the Government of Assam and Mission Director of JJM, mandates an immediate halt to all ongoing schemes. This has raised alarms about the oversight and management of the mission, which aims to provide safe drinking water to every household in Assam.
“Assam people are suffering because of this government’s incompetence. We demand a CBI inquiry into the corruption in the JJM,” Borah declared. He pointed out that while some contractors claimed completion rates of 60% to 100%, the government has flagged potential lapses in both quality and quantity, leading to a complete work stoppage.
Borah also highlighted allegations of mismanagement and extortion within the contracting system, revealing that contractors have expressed frustrations about being required to pay commissions ranging from 8% to 15%. “If a contractor is executing work worth Rs 2 crore, they might have to pay around Rs 16 lakh as a commission, which is unacceptable,” he stated.
Furthermore, he criticized the government’s handling of the project, remarking, “It’s not ‘Ghar Ghar Jal’; it’s ‘Ghar Ghar Nal.’” He questioned Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s priorities, asking, “Why is it not your priority to ensure the completion of work? This indicates a lack of control over your department.”
Despite the Assam government’s substantial investment in advertising the JJM, with work now suspended, questions linger regarding the future of both the contractors and the mission itself. “The remaining 60% of the funds will likely never come, and as of now, only 10.75% of the population has received water connections,” Borah warned.
While the government maintains that the suspension is a necessary step to address potential lapses, Borah is adamant about the need for a thorough investigation. “Now, with 50 lakh people potentially facing water shortages, who will take responsibility? We are prepared to escalate our demands for a CBI inquiry, even visiting their office if necessary,” he asserted.
The controversy began on October 5, when the Assam government officially ordered the halt of JJM activities due to ongoing concerns regarding quality and adherence to deadlines.
