Assam Congress demands CBI inquiry amidst halt of Jal Jeevan Mission over quality concerns

The Assam government has suspended all activities under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), citing significant lapses in quality and timelines, triggering a call for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry from the opposition Congress party. Assam Congress President Bhupen Borah addressed a press conference today, expressing grave concerns over the alleged corruption surrounding the project and demanding accountability from state officials.

Borah said that the government’s decision to halt the JJM operations arises from the poor performance of contractors, who were reportedly unable to meet the six-month deadline for completing Single Village Schemes. The directive, issued by Kailash Karthik N., Secretary to the Government of Assam and Mission Director of JJM, mandates an immediate standstill on all ongoing schemes. This has raised alarms about the management and oversight of the mission, which aims to provide safe drinking water to every household in Assam.

"Assam people are suffering because of this government’s incompetence. We demand a CBI inquiry into the corruption in the JJM," Borah said. He pointed out that while some contractors claimed their projects were completed to the tune of 60% or even 100%, the government has now flagged potential lapses in both quality and quantity, leading to a complete work stoppage.

Borah said that the mismanagement and alleged extortion practices within the contracting system. He noted that contractors have expressed their frustrations regarding the requirement to pay commissions ranging from 8% to 15%, which he claims are funneled to ministers and officials. “If a contractor is executing work worth Rs 2 crore, they might have to pay around Rs 16 lakh as a commission, which is unacceptable,” he said.

Furthermore, Borah criticized the government’s handling of the project, stating, “It’s not 'Ghar Ghar Jal' it’s 'Ghar Ghar Nal' .He questioned the Chief Minister's priorities, stating, “Why is it not your priority to ensure the completion of work? This indicates a lack of control over your department.”

The Assam government has reportedly invested significant resources in advertising the JJM, but with work now suspended, questions arise regarding the future of both contractors and the mission. “The remaining 60% of the funds will likely never come, and as of now, only 10.75% of the population has received water connections,” Borah said.

While the government maintains that the suspension is a necessary measure to address potential lapses, Borah demands a thorough investigation. “Now, with 50 lakh people potentially facing water shortages, who will take responsibility? We are prepared to escalate our demands for a CBI inquiry, even visiting their office if necessary,” he said.

The backdrop of this controversy began on October 5, when the Assam government officially issued an order to halt JJM activities due to ongoing concerns regarding quality and adherence to deadlines.