Zero tolerance approach towards water related violations successful in six states: Govt

Six States, namely Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Gujarat, Assam, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, have reported significant action in imposing penalty and recovery process in cases of financial irregularities and poor quality of works under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), the Lok Sabha was informed on Thursday.

In addition, two states (Uttar Pradesh and Tripura) have reported to have made recovery from contractors on account of liquidated damages, while two states (Karnataka and Tripura) on account of forfeiture of EMD/ FDR, Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil said in a written reply.

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Uttar Pradesh has reported that it initiated enquiries in 14,264 complaints received from various channels, including suo motu cognisance. The report has been submitted in 14,212 cases, while the inquiry is in process in 52 cases.

The state has further reported that against these complaints, action was taken in 434 cases which involved 171 Department level officials, 120 contractors and 143 TPIAs, while remaining complaints have either been addressed or found irrelevant.

As reported by the Government of Gujarat, a financial loss of Rs 120.65 crore has occurred due to irregularities in 620 villages of Mahisagar district, and orders have been issued for recovery from 112 implementing agencies. The State Government has reported that Rs 6.65 crore has been recovered from these agencies so far. Further, all 112 agencies have been debarred by the State Government, and an FIR was registered in the matter. The case is presently under investigation by the CID Crime Branch, and so far, 9 officials/contractors have been arrested.

Since August 2019, the Government of India has been implementing JJM, in partnership with States/ UTs, to make provision of safe and adequate tap water connection to every rural household of the country.

‘Drinking Water’ is a state subject, and hence, the responsibility of planning, approval, implementation, operation & maintenance of drinking water supply schemes, including those under the JJM, lies with State/UT Governments. The Government of India supports the states by providing technical and financial assistance, the minister told the House.