Jammu: Several members of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Wednesday alleged corruption and mismanagement in the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and demanded the formation of a House committee to investigate the matter.
Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Rana, assured the House that action would be taken against officials who provided misleading answers. He also announced an inquiry into an alleged nexus between contractors and the department in a specific constituency.
During Question Hour, in response to a query by Dr. Mohammad Shafi Wani, the minister revealed that 38 schemes had been approved for the Beerwah constituency at an estimated cost of ₹113.19 crore. Of these, 24 schemes had been completed at a cost of ₹64.29 crore, while work was ongoing on the remaining 14 projects. He also provided details about expenditures and areas covered under the mission.
However, Dr. Wani expressed dissatisfaction with the response, prompting a heated discussion among legislators.
Several lawmakers, including Congress MLA Nizamuddin Bhat, National Conference’s Ali Mohammad Dar, AAP’s Mehraj Malik, BJP’s Baldev Raj, and Congress Legislative Party leader G.A. Mir, raised supplementary questions, accusing the government of inefficiency and mismanagement in implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission.
They alleged that many rural areas still lacked proper water supply, despite the funds allocated. In response, the minister assured the House that recent rains had helped recharge water sources and that the government was working on a war-footing to complete the pending projects.
However, NC leader Ali Mohammad Dar challenged the minister’s claims, stating,
“If this answer is correct, I will resign from my position. It is completely false. Action must be taken against those misleading the House.”
He was supported by other members who demanded accountability from the officials responsible for the project’s implementation.
Congress leader G.A. Mir called the Jal Jeevan Mission a “major scam” in Jammu and Kashmir, insisting on a thorough investigation.
“Even a BJP legislator has raised concerns. A House committee must be formed,” he asserted.
Nizamuddin Bhat noted that even a former secretary of the department had alleged irregularities in the mission, further strengthening the demand for an independent probe.
AAP MLA Mehraj Malik echoed similar concerns, alleging “massive corruption” in the project.
“Officials are misleading the House by providing incorrect information. This requires an immediate inquiry,” he stated.
Responding to the growing demand for a House committee probe, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather advised members to raise the issue during the department’s grant discussions.
The debate has further intensified political tensions over governance and transparency in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission. (KINS)
MLAs allege irregularities in JJM; demand probe
