In a significant crackdown on implementation irregularities, seven Indian states have imposed penalties totaling approximately Rs 129 crore against contractors and officials involved in the Jal Jeevan Mission, with Gujarat accounting for the lion's share of Rs 120 crore. The action follows direct instructions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to show zero tolerance for any violations in the flagship rural water supply program.
Strict Monitoring and Recovery Efforts
Prime Minister Modi has directed the Jal Shakti ministry and concerned states to initiate strong action against all cases of irregularities while implementing strict monitoring mechanisms. The government has so far recovered around Rs 13 crore from these states, with more than Rs 6.6 crore being recovered from Gujarat alone.
The six other states where penalty recovery has been made include Rajasthan with Rs 5.3 crore, Maharashtra with Rs 2 crore, Tripura with Rs 1.2 crore, Karnataka with Rs 1 crore, Assam with Rs 5 lakh, and Tamil Nadu with Rs 3 lakh. These penalties target contractors, officials, and third-party agencies involved in procedural, financial, and quality-related violations.
Widespread Action Across States
According to official data from the Jal Shakti ministry, 20 states and union territories have reported cases of irregularities in the Jal Jeevan Mission implementation. These states have taken action in 607 cases against 621 departmental officials, 969 contractors, and 153 Third Party Inspection Agencies (TPIAs).
The enforcement actions have included the registration of nine FIRs against 20 officials, 10 contractors, and one TPIA. Significant arrests have been made, including one former Congress minister in Rajasthan, Mahesh Joshi, along with 10 officials and eight contractors.
Mission Progress and Extended Deadline
Launched in August 2019, the Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide functional tap water connections to approximately 19.3 crore rural households across India. The scheme has made substantial progress, covering more than 15.7 crore households so far, which represents about 81% of the total target.
While the government initially planned to cover all households by 2024, the deadline for the Jal Jeevan Mission has now been extended to 2028. The recent crackdown on irregularities demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring transparency and quality in the implementation of this crucial rural infrastructure project.
