Karnataka Pushes for Timely Central Funds for Jal Jeevan Mission

Karnataka's Minister Priyank Kharge has urged the Union Jal Shakti Minister to release the pending central funds for the Jal Jeevan Mission. This initiative aims to provide safe drinking water to rural households, and the state has made significant progress but needs continued central support.

Karnataka's Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, IT/BT, Priyank Kharge, has made an urgent appeal to the Union Jal Shakti Minister, C R Patil, for the release of pending funds under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The aim is to ensure timely completion of projects that provide safe drinking water to rural households.

Karnataka has shown remarkable progress in implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission, extending water connections to over 86% of rural households and progressing on multiple village schemes. With a state budget allocation of Rs 11,050 crore this fiscal year, the project has made significant strides, despite an imbalance in central contribution.

Kharge emphasized the necessity for immediate central support, highlighting pending bills totaling approximately Rs 3,300 crore. Delays in fund disbursement could jeopardize ongoing work, as some contractors have already started scaling down operations. The Minister reiterated the importance of having the central funds released swiftly to maintain progress and ensure rural access to safe drinking water.

(With inputs from agencies.)