Thousands of workers under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), known as Jal Mitras, staged a massive protest at Hengrabari in Guwahati on Thursday, demanding action on unfulfilled promises and job regularization. The demonstration, which drew participants from across Assam, saw protestors surrounding the Public Health Department headquarters, prompting police deployment to maintain order.
The workers voiced deep dissatisfaction with the government’s inaction despite their vital role in ensuring water supply to rural areas. Many protestors highlighted the lack of acknowledgment for their contributions and the failure to address their demands for better working conditions and regularized employment.
A protestor expressed frustration over unmet commitments, stating, “Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah assured us that the Chief Minister would announce major reforms for Jal Mitras on January 1. Yet, other departments have seen schemes implemented while our concerns are ignored. These promises feel like empty words meant to silence us temporarily.”
The workers also criticized the bureaucratic hurdles they face when raising grievances. “Every time we approach the Minister’s office, we’re sent from the Panchayat office to the Users Committee and back again. Our voices are lost in the system,” one worker lamented. Many vowed to suspend work until their demands are met.
Allegations of corruption within the Jal Jeevan Mission added fuel to the protest. Workers accused senior officials of misusing funds meant for their welfare, claiming that some employees have worked for over a decade without proper pay. “While we struggle, officials misappropriate funds meant to support us,” one protestor alleged.
The Jal Mitras, who serve as temporary employees under the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department, have long demanded recognition and job security. With over 13,000 workers under the JJM, their growing resentment reflects systemic issues within the program.
This protest, supported by the PHE Workers’ Union, represents a significant escalation in their campaign for justice. The workers emphasized the essential role they play in providing tap water connections to rural households, urging the government to recognize their contributions and fulfill its promises.
As the demonstration continues, pressure mounts on Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah and the Assam government to address the grievances of the Jal Mitras. Their demands for fair treatment, timely payments, and job regularization underscore their call for justice and recognition in the success of the Jal Jeevan Mission.