Complaints Surge in Jal Jeevan Mission: UP Tops the Chart

The Jal Shakti ministry revealed over 17,000 complaints related to financial irregularities and poor quality under the Jal Jeevan Mission in the past three years, with Uttar Pradesh alone contributing 84% of these complaints. Significant actions have been taken against numerous officials, contractors, and inspection agencies nationwide.

In a recent revelation, the Jal Shakti ministry disclosed that more than 17,000 complaints concerning financial mismanagement and substandard work have emerged under the Jal Jeevan Mission over the past three years. Shockingly, Uttar Pradesh accounted for 84% of these grievances.

The disclosure came from Minister of State for Jal Shakti, V Somanna, who, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, indicated that complaints were collated from varied sources such as media reports, public grievances, and suo motu cognizance. Across the nation, 621 departmental officials, 969 contractors, and 153 third-party inspection agencies have faced actions.

While Uttar Pradesh leads with 14,264 complaints, inquiries were initiated in all cases. Other states like Assam, Tripura, and Rajasthan also registered significant numbers. Meanwhile, states such as Andhra Pradesh and Bihar reported no complaints. The Jal Jeevan Mission aims to ensure tap water connectivity for rural households since its inception in 2019.

(With inputs from agencies.)