Lok Sabha Question No. 60 (STARRED), answered on 2024-11-28
Subject: Delay in Implementation of JJM in Assam
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Shri Gaurav Gogoi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI

## DEPARTMENT OF DRINKING WATER & SANITATION

## LOK SABHA

## STARRED QUESTION NO- 60

ANSWERED ON 28/11/2024

## DELAY IN IMPLEMENTATION OF JJM IN ASSAM

## *60.   SHRI GAURAV GOGOI:

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that the projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) have been temporarily halted in Assam due to concerns over lapses noticed in quality control and delay in projects timelines and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to address the issues regarding quality control and project timeline in JJM projects in Assam;
- (c) whether the Government is aware of the allegations of corruption in work allocation under JJM projects in Assam;
- (d) if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  action  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  to investigate these claims; and
- (e) the measures taken/being taken by the Government to ensure transparency and accountability in project execution?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF JAL SHAKTI

## (SHRI C R PATIL)

- (a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the table of the House.

## Statement referred to in reply to parts (a) to (e) in respect of Lok Sabha Starred Question No. *60 for reply on 28.11.2024 regarding delay in Implementation of JJM in Assam asked by Shri Gaurav Gogoi

- (a) and (b) Government of India is  committed to make provision for safe & potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on a regular & long-term basis to all rural households in the country. Towards this end, the Government of India launched the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), to be implemented in partnership with States/ UTs, in August 2019. Government  of  India  supplements  the  efforts  of  States/  UTs  by  providing  technical  and financial assistance under JJM.

Significant progress has been made in the country since the launch of JJM, towards enhancing access to tap water to rural households. At the start of the mission in August 2019, only 3.23 crore  rural  households  were  reported  to  have  tap  water  connections.  So  far,  as  reported  by States/  UTs  as  on  23.11.2024,  around  12.06  crore  additional  rural  households  have  been provided with tap water connections under JJM. Thus, as on 23.11.2024, out of 19.34 crore rural households in the country, more than 15.29 crore (79.09%) rural households are reported to have tap water supply in their homes.

As reported by the state government of Assam, at the time of launch of JJM in the state on 15.08.2019, only 1.11 lakh rural households had tap water connections. Since then, 57.40 lakh additional  rural  households  have  been  provided  with  tap  water  connections.  Thus,  as  on 23.11.2024, out of 71.93 lakh rural households in state, the provision of tap water supply is available to around 58.52 lakh (81.35%) rural households.

As  reported  by  the  state  government  of  Assam,  vide  notification  dated  03.10.2024,  it  has ordered  a  temporary  stand-still  period.  The  state  has  informed  that  it  plans  to  conduct  a comprehensive review of all ongoing and completed schemes during this period. The exercise will assess the quantity and quality of work, identify deviations from project plans, analyse delays,  and  evaluate  the  performance  of  Third-Party  Inspection  Agencies  (TPIAs)  and Detailed Project Report (DPR) Agencies. The goal is to ensure all projects comply with the standards of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).

- (c)  to  (e)  Water  is  a  state  subject  and,  therefore,  the  primary  responsibility  for  planning  and implementing piped water supply schemes to provide tap water to rural households, lies with the  respective  State/UT  Government.  As  such,  grievances/  complaints,  etc.  under  JJM  are handled and disposed of at the State/ UT level. Such complaints/ representations as and when received  in  this  department  are  forwarded  to  the  state  government  for  taking  necessary corrective measures. Further, Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation undertakes several measures such as functionality assessment, ground truthing by National WASH Experts, callbased feedback from complainant, field visits by National Teams, status review in meetings, etc. to ensure that the complaints related to quality of works are addressed by the State/UT.

In  addition,  Government of Assam has informed that it takes following measures to ensure transparency and accountability:

- i) eBill  &  eMB  for  Contractors:  This  initiative  enables  contractors  to  raise  their  bills electronically,  which  are  automatically  submitted  to  the  concerned  Section  Officer (SO) for verification. The process is tracked seamlessly from the Division to the State Headquarters, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
2. ii) Scheme  Monitoring  Tool  (SMT):  A  transparent  fund  flow  mechanism  facilitated through an online bill management system, enhancing accountability and streamlined operations.
3. iii) JJM Brain: A comprehensive digital platform designed for reporting, monitoring, and data entry, supporting effective management and oversight.

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