Funding Drought: Maharashtra's Jal Jeevan Mission Faces Financial Hurdles

Maharashtra has not received central funds for the Jal Jeevan Mission since October 2024, relying on state funds for ongoing projects. The lack of funds has slowed progress, prompting government action against contractors and consultants. The mission aims to provide rural households in India with functional tap water connections.

Maharashtra's government is grappling with a financial shortfall after being deprived of central funds for the ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission since October 2024. Relying solely on state funds, officials have struggled to maintain the pace of the mission's ongoing projects intended to provide functional tap water connections to rural households.

In a statement to the state legislature, Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Gulabrao Patil disclosed that 51,560 schemes have received approval under the initiative, with 25,429 still in progress. Despite allocating Rs 2,483.58 crore for 2024-25 and Rs 2,103.25 crore for the current fiscal year, hurdles such as land acquisition and contractor delays have stalled many efforts.

The state government has taken strict measures, blacklisting 67 contractors and levying fines totaling Rs 12.8 crore against underperformers. Additionally, 188 contractors have seen their contracts canceled, with numerous show-cause notices issued to project management and engineering staff across various levels.

(With inputs from agencies.)