The implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Assam faced intense criticism in the Lok Sabha on Friday, as Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi accused the State government of turning what should be a beneficial scheme into a “complete flop show.” Gogoi highlighted significant distress among contractors, with complaints of delayed payments and favoritism in settling dues.
During the Winter Session, Gogoi pointed out that the mission, designed to provide household tap water connectivity, has instead left thousands of families and workers struggling. He stated, “In Assam, the Jal Jeevan Mission has become a mockery. The people involved in this project are suffering immensely. Contractors and labourers have not been paid their dues for a long time.”
Gogoi further explained that the dire situation had led to protests by contractors who had not received timely payments. He disclosed that there are outstanding bills totaling Rs 3,500 crore, asserting that young contractors who had taken loans to fund their projects are now experiencing severe financial distress.
The MP claimed that only contractors with political connections received partial payments, suggesting that this was an example of the ultimate failure of the “double-engine government.” He emphasized, “Only those who have links with BJP ministers and MLAs have received a portion of their bills.”
Gogoi appealed to both the State and Central governments for immediate intervention and constructive dialogue to safeguard the interests of Jal Mitras, contractors, and all parties involved in the mission.
Earlier this year, on June 9, PHE Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah defended the scheme’s integrity in the State Assembly, stating that the Jal Jeevan Mission undergoes extensive scrutiny, including third-party inspections and real-time monitoring. He reported that the State had launched 27,596 projects under the mission, with 18,498 already completed and 17,230 handed over to user committees.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/assam/gaurav-gogoi-alleges-rs-3500-cr-crisis-in-assams-jal-jeevan-mission-in-lok-sabha-1600224
Category: Assam,Featured
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Publish Date: 2025-12-05 18:58:00
