Is the BJP Government Failing in the Jal Jeevan Mission?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ashok Gehlot alleges corruption in the BJP government.
- Only 9.44 lakh connections were provided under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
- The Congress government had higher connection achievements.
- Concerns raised about the Public Health and Engineering Department.
- The Jal Jeevan Mission aims to ensure adequate drinking water.
Jaipur, Oct 9 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, has leveled serious allegations against the BJP government, claiming widespread corruption and incompetence in the execution of the Jal Jeevan Mission. He argues that the initiative has greatly faltered due to their mismanagement.
“In the budget for 2024-25, the BJP government projected 25 lakh new water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission, yet managed to provide only 9.44 lakh connections,” Gehlot stated.
This figure is significantly lower than the achievements during the Congress regime: 13.88 lakh connections in 2022-23 and 12.17 lakh in 2023-24, he highlighted.
He also noted that the BJP's budget for 2025-26 set another target of 20 lakh tap connections, but after six months into the fiscal year, only 97,000 have been delivered.
“At this rate, the government will struggle to reach two lakh connections this year. This reveals the BJP's false promises and empty declarations,” Gehlot remarked.
Questioning the efficiency of the Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED), Gehlot pointed out that six Additional Chief Engineers, three Superintendent Engineers, and 17 Executive Engineers are currently on extended APO, while their favored officers have been assigned dual responsibilities.
“Why are senior officials being sidelined while a select few hold excessive power? Could this corrupt intent be the reason for the Jal Jeevan Mission's inadequacies under the BJP government?” Gehlot asked.
The former Chief Minister asserted that the residents of Rajasthan deserve answers.
“Currently, Rajasthan is governed by a regime of plunder and deceit,” he stated, calling on Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, who is scheduled to visit the state on October 11, to confront the Chief Minister regarding the significant irregularities and the dismal performance of the Jal Jeevan Mission under the so-called double-engine government.
The Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide safe and sufficient drinking water through individual tap connections to every household in rural India.