Why hasn't Maharashtra received Central funds for the JJM scheme since October 2024?

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Why hasn't Maharashtra received Central funds for the JJM scheme since October 2024?

Synopsis

Maharashtra's Minister of Water Supply reveals alarming news about the Jal Jeevan Mission. Since October 2024, the state has been without central funding, forcing it to use state funds to sustain ongoing projects. With over 51,000 schemes sanctioned, the implications for rural water access are significant.

Key Takeaways

  • Maharashtra has not received central JJM funds since October 2024.
  • State funds are being utilized to continue projects.
  • Over 51,000 schemes have been sanctioned in total.
  • Rs 2483.58 crore has been allocated by the state.
  • Plans for an additional Rs 3913 crore for 2025-26 have been announced.

Mumbai, July 7 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Minister of Water Supply and Sanitation, Gulabrao Patil, stated in a written response to the Legislative Council that the state has not received central funds for the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scheme since October 2024, leading the state to utilize its own financial resources to continue ongoing projects.

In his remarks, the Minister noted that a total of 51,558 schemes have been approved, with 26,009 currently in progress. This inquiry was prompted by questions from Pradnya Satav, Satej Patil (Congress), and other council members.

Minister Patil revealed that the state government has allocated Rs 2483.58 crore to ensure the completion of these ongoing initiatives.

Additionally, Minister of State Meghana Sakore-Bordikar, who was present during the council session, added, “We are actively engaging with the central government to expedite the release of funds. To prevent any disruption in ongoing projects for the fiscal year 2025-26, we have committed to providing additional funds of Rs 3913 crore.

The state government's response acknowledged that the momentum of the projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission has diminished due to challenges such as land availability, local opposition, necessary permits from various departments, delays by contractors, resource failures, and insufficient funding.

The response detailed that Rs 2483.58 crore has been disbursed as a special case by the Maharashtra government given the central funds have not been made available. It also noted that three letters have been dispatched to the Jal Shakti ministry requesting fund releases, along with a meeting held with the union minister.

The Jal Jeevan Mission was designed to deliver safe and sufficient drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to every rural household in India.

This initiative encompasses various components and measures aimed at realizing this goal. To date, the state has invested approximately Rs 31,374 crore.

According to government reports, the percentage of households with tap connections has risen from 33 percent to 88.36 percent following the successful completion of 15,537 schemes.

Point of View

The situation in Maharashtra underscores the crucial need for timely fund releases for essential public infrastructure projects. The Jal Jeevan Mission is pivotal for enhancing water access in rural areas, and the lack of financial support from the central government raises concerns about the progress and sustainability of these initiatives. It is imperative for both state and central authorities to collaborate effectively to ensure the success of such vital schemes.
NationPress
26/07/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has Maharashtra not received funds for the JJM scheme?
Maharashtra has not received central funds for the Jal Jeevan Mission since October 2024, leading the state to use its own resources for ongoing projects.
How many schemes are ongoing under the JJM in Maharashtra?
There are currently 26,009 ongoing schemes out of a total of 51,558 sanctioned under the Jal Jeevan Mission in Maharashtra.
What amount has the Maharashtra government allocated for ongoing schemes?
The Maharashtra government has allocated Rs 2483.58 crore to complete ongoing schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
What additional funding has the state planned for 2025-26?
For the year 2025-26, Maharashtra has decided to allocate an additional Rs 3913 crore to ensure ongoing works are not halted.
What is the current status of tap connections in rural Maharashtra?
The percentage of households with tap connections in rural Maharashtra has increased from 33 percent to 88.36 percent, with the completion of several schemes.