Khandre Calls for Central Funding of Retrofitting Under Jal Jeevan Mission
Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar Khandre has urged the Union Government to bear the retrofitting costs under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). He also pressed the Union Minister to release pending central funds to Karnataka for the speedy implementation of JJM works across the state.
Details of the Demand
Speaking during a review meeting, Khandre highlighted that retrofitting of existing water supply schemes is a critical component of JJM to ensure safe and adequate drinking water to rural households. He argued that the financial burden of retrofitting should not fall entirely on the state and that the Centre must provide dedicated funding for this purpose.
Khandre pointed out that Karnataka has been implementing JJM effectively but delays in release of central funds have hampered progress. He requested the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti to expedite the release of pending installments to avoid any disruption in ongoing projects.
Impact on Implementation
The minister emphasized that timely release of funds is essential to meet the mission's target of providing Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) to all rural households by 2024. As per official data, Karnataka has achieved around 60% coverage under JJM, but retrofitting of old schemes remains a major challenge.
Khandre also noted that the state government has allocated its share of funds but expects the Centre to fulfill its commitment under the 50:50 funding pattern for JJM. He urged the Union Minister to consider Karnataka's request sympathetically to ensure the success of the mission in the state.
