MLAs Demand House Committee to Probe Alleged Jal Jeevan Mission Irregularities in J&K Assembly

Jammu, 05-03-2025: Several legislators in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Wednesday raised serious concerns over alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and demanded the formation of a House committee to investigate the matter. The issue sparked a heated debate during the Question Hour, with multiple members questioning the transparency and efficiency of the government’s flagship water supply scheme.

Responding to a query from Dr. Mohammad Shafi Wani, Minister for Jal Shakti Javed Rana informed the House that 38 water supply schemes had been sanctioned for the Beerwah constituency at an estimated cost of ₹113.19 crore. He stated that 24 of these schemes had already been completed at an expenditure of ₹64.29 crore, while work on the remaining 14 was progressing. The minister provided a detailed breakdown of the projects, their financial outlays, and the areas that had benefited from the initiative.

However, Wani expressed dissatisfaction with the response, stating that ground realities did not align with the data provided. Several other legislators, including Congress MLA Nizamuddin Bhat, National Conference’s Ali Mohammad Dar, Aam Aadmi Party’s Mehraj Malik, BJP’s Baldev Raj, and Congress Legislative Party leader G A Mir, raised supplementary questions, accusing the government of inefficiency and mismanagement in executing the Jal Jeevan Mission. They highlighted that despite official claims, many areas, particularly in rural and remote regions, continued to suffer from inadequate water supply.

Ali Mohammad Dar, who had separately raised concerns regarding the mission, directly challenged the minister’s response, alleging that the information presented was misleading. “If the answer given to this House is correct, I am ready to resign from my position. The data is completely fabricated. Immediate action should be taken against those who are misleading the House,” he asserted. His demand was supported by several legislators who insisted on strict action against officials responsible for providing incorrect information.

In response to mounting pressure, Minister Javed Rana assured the House that a thorough inquiry would be conducted into the allegations of irregularities. He also announced that officials found guilty of providing misleading information would face disciplinary action. Additionally, the minister acknowledged concerns regarding an alleged nexus between contractors and the Jal Shakti Department in a specific constituency, confirming that an investigation would be launched into the matter.

Congress leader G A Mir went a step further, terming the alleged irregularities in JJM as a “major scam” and reiterating the need for a comprehensive probe. “Even a BJP legislator has raised concerns over this matter. There must be an independent investigation through a House committee,” he demanded.

Echoing similar sentiments, Nizamuddin Bhat pointed out that a former secretary of the Jal Shakti Department had also flagged serious irregularities in the mission. He stressed that a legislative probe was necessary to restore public trust. “This is not just an allegation from the opposition. Even former bureaucrats have questioned the functioning of JJM. A House committee must be constituted to investigate these claims,” Bhat insisted.

AAP legislator Mehraj Malik also expressed deep concerns over what he described as “massive corruption” in the implementation of the scheme. He accused officials of deliberately misleading the Assembly and providing manipulated data. “This is a clear case of systemic corruption. The figures given in this House are contradictory to the reality on the ground. There must be a high-level inquiry,” he stated.

As the demand for a House committee gained traction, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather intervened, suggesting that members should raise their concerns again during discussions on the department’s grants. The Speaker’s response, however, did not fully satisfy the protesting MLAs, who continued to press for an immediate decision on forming a legislative committee to investigate the alleged mismanagement of the Jal Jeevan Mission.