Jaipur, Oct 9
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has accused the BJP government of large-scale corruption and inefficiency in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission, alleging that the scheme has suffered immensely under their mismanagement.
"In the 2024-25 budget, the BJP government announced 25 lakh new water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission, but could deliver only 9.44 lakh.
This is far less than what was achieved under the Congress government -- 13.88 lakh connections in 2022-23 and 12.17 lakh in 2023-24," Gehlot said.
He further pointed out that in the 2025-26 budget, the BJP announced another target of 20 lakh tap connections, but even after six months of the financial year, only 97,000 have been provided.
"At this pace, the government will barely cross two lakh connections this year. This exposes the BJP's false promises and hollow claims," Gehlot stated.
Raising questions about the functioning of the Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED), Gehlot revealed that six Additional Chief Engineers, three Superintendent Engineers, and 17 Executive Engineers have been placed on prolonged APO. At the same time, their "favourite officers" have been given double charges.
"What is the reason for sidelining senior officers and concentrating power in the hands of a few? Is this corrupt intent the reason behind the Jal Jeevan Mission's failure under the BJP government?" Gehlot asked.
The former Chief Minister said the people of Rajasthan deserve answers.
"Rajasthan today is run by a government of plunder and lies," he asserted, urging Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, who is visiting the state on October 11, to question the Chief Minister about the serious irregularities and the dismal state of the Jal Jeevan Mission under the so-called double-engine government.
Jal Jeevan Mission is envisioned to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual tap connections to all households in rural India.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I agree there are implementation issues, let's not forget that Congress also had their share of problems. Both parties need to stop blaming each other and actually deliver clean water to rural households. That's what matters most.
The statistics speak for themselves! 25 lakh promised but only 9.44 lakh delivered? This is classic over-promising and under-delivering. Water is life, and our rural brothers and sisters deserve better. 🚰
As someone working in development sector, I've seen firsthand how political interference ruins good schemes. The sidelining of experienced officers and giving double charges to favorites is a red flag for corruption.
My mother's village in Jodhpur finally got tap water last month after waiting for 3 years! But yes, the progress is too slow. Hope the Union Minister's visit brings some accountability. ðŸ™
The PHED department restructuring sounds suspicious. Why remove experienced engineers if there's no corruption? This needs proper investigation by independent agencies.
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