Congress Calls for Investigation into Alleged Jal Jeevan Mission Irregularities

The Manipur Congress has raised serious concerns over alleged widespread mismanagement in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in the state, demanding a court-monitored probe into what it terms a “major scam.” The party claims that the scheme, aimed at providing tap water to rural households, is riddled with financial irregularities, falsified data, and inadequate oversight.

At a press conference held at the Congress office in Imphal, Inner Manipur MP A Bimol Akoijam highlighted stark disparities between official reports and on-ground realities. “The Jal Jeevan Mission in Manipur is marred by a significant scandal that demands national attention,” Akoijam stated.

He pointed out that while government records show substantial progress, many villages lack functional water supply systems.According to Akoijam, official data indicates that prior to the JJM’s launch in August 2019, only 26,000 rural households—approximately 5.74%—had access to tap water. The government now claims that 3,59,459 households, or 79.59% of the state’s 4,51,619 rural households, are covered as of July 28, 2025, following the addition of 3,33,539 connections. The project has reportedly cost ₹1,202 crore, with ₹1,078.82 crore from the central government and ₹124.03 crore from the state.

However, MP Bimol Akoijam’s field visits to villages such as Toubul, Nachou, Phubala, Patsoi Part-II, Kiyamgei, and Yurembam revealed a different story. “Not a single household in these areas reported having a working tap water connection,” he said.

Similar issues have been reported in Senapati, Chandel, and Ukhrul districts, where villages listed as “fully covered” under JJM allegedly lack operational water infrastructure or consistent supply.

MP has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Manipur High Court, urging a thorough investigation into the JJM’s execution. The PIL seeks a district-wise audit of funds, verification of reported tap water connections, and recognition of access to safe drinking water as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution, with a minimum guarantee of two hours of daily water supply for rural households.

The Congress alleges that the discrepancies point to systemic issues, including potential fund misappropriation and data manipulation by implementing agencies. The central government has yet to respond to these allegations.

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