How Much Has Bihar Received from the Jal Jeevan Mission Since 2019-20?
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Synopsis
Since 2019-20, Bihar has received a substantial sum of Rs 770.95 crore under the Jal Jeevan Mission, but the state hasn't accessed any funds since 2021-22. This raises questions about the state's water management and funding utilization. Explore the implications of these funds and the future of water supply in Bihar.
Key Takeaways
- Bihar has received Rs 770.95 crore under JJM since 2019-20.
- The state has not accessed JJM funds since 2021-22.
- Online reporting through the WQMIS portal is now available for water quality monitoring.
- A proposal for the MPKC link aims to optimize water resource utilization.
- No current proposals exist to classify ERCP as a National Project.
New Delhi, Dec 2 (NationPress) Since the fiscal year 2019-20, the total amount of Central funds allocated to Bihar under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) has reached Rs 770.95 crore. However, the State government has not accessed any JJM funds starting from the fiscal year 2021-22, as indicated by data from the Ministry.
Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil stated that funds under the JJM scheme are directly disbursed to States/UTs, and the Government of India does not maintain detailed district-wise fund information.
As mentioned, from 2019-20 onwards, Bihar has received a total of Rs 770.95 crore from the Central share under JJM. The Bihar State Government has not utilized any JJM funds since 2021-22, according to a response given by Patil in the Rajya Sabha to a query from Akhilesh Prasad Singh.
Minister Patil also noted the establishment of the online JJM – Water Quality Management Information System (WQMIS) portal, which allows States/UTs to report water quality monitoring and surveillance online, including the results of water quality tests and the collection of drinking water samples.
Earlier, during a Rajya Sabha session, Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary mentioned a proposal for the Modified Parbati–Kalisindh–Chambal (MPKC) link, aimed at optimizing the utilization of the Chambal River System's water resources, following discussions with both Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
This proposal combines elements put forward by the Government of Madhya Pradesh in the Kuno, Parbati, and Kalisindh sub-basins with components of the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) as suggested by the Government of Rajasthan.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was executed on January 28, 2024, followed by a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on December 5, 2024, among the Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Union Government to facilitate the link project’s implementation.
The Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) concerning the Rajasthan components have been finalized and submitted to the Central Water Commission (CWC) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti for technical and economic evaluation.
Currently, there are no proposals under consideration for designating the ERCP as a National Project, the Minister added.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the implications of the Jal Jeevan Mission's funding in Bihar. While the substantial allocation of Rs 770.95 crore demonstrates the central government's commitment, the lack of fund utilization raises concerns. This situation warrants scrutiny from state authorities to ensure that these resources contribute effectively to improving water quality and availability for the citizens of Bihar.
NationPress
02/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jal Jeevan Mission?
The Jal Jeevan Mission is a government initiative aimed at providing safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections in rural areas.
How much funding has Bihar received under the Jal Jeevan Mission?
Bihar has received a total of Rs 770.95 crore under the Jal Jeevan Mission since the fiscal year 2019-20.
Why has Bihar not utilized JJM funds since 2021-22?
The reasons for the non-utilization of funds by the Bihar government have not been clearly stated, raising concerns about water management in the state.
What is the WQMIS portal?
The Water Quality Management Information System (WQMIS) portal is an online platform developed for States/UTs to report on water quality monitoring and surveillance.
Is the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) a National Project?
Currently, there are no proposals under consideration for the ERCP to be designated as a National Project.
