Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, addressed the reported irregularities in the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Meghalaya, affirming that any major issues will be thoroughly investigated. He emphasized that if gross irregularities are found after verification by officials, an inquiry committee will be established.
Talking to Mediapersons, regarding the Garo Hills, where anomalies have been reported, Choudhary stated, “The issue will be taken up with the concerned officials, and if any major irregularities are reported, the ministry will set up an enquiry committee.”
He added that he plans to visit the region during his next trip to address these concerns.
Addressing the irregularities highlighted by Tura MDC and state BJP Vice President Bernard N Marak, Choudhary reassured, “The problems that you have said are there in Garo Hills. We will see to it, and we are asking the concerned officials to verify them. After verification, if gross irregularities are found, then we will surely set up an inquiry committee.”
Choudhary reassured that any complaints would be carefully reviewed and addressed. Following multiple reports of substandard work and discrepancies between the JJM’s promising projections on paper and its actual execution on the ground, the Meghalaya Lokayukta had earlier called for an inquiry into alleged irregularities in the West Garo Hills.
When asked about the possibility of a new deadline for the project, he responded, “Under JJM, Meghalaya has performed well. We are working to improve work volume and quality despite challenges like excessive rainfall.”
Asked if any specific instruction given to the department of PHE, he stated, “We are directing the state to improve work standards and adhere to timelines.”
Further, the MOS Jal Shakti expressed satisfaction with the project’s implementation in South West Khasi Hills but acknowledged the need for improvement.
“I am satisfied and have given guidelines to improve the process of development,” he said.
When pointed out that not many states are performing well in the implementation of JJM, the Minister said he is conducting review meetings with different states particularly the underperformed one.
“We are trying to fast-track the process and review work in states where progress is slow,” Choudhary noted.
It may be mentioned that Meghalaya has made significant strides in Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) implementation with 80.48 per cent completion rate, with South Garo Hills and East Garo Hills showing above 90 percent implementation of the project. .