What penalties have been recovered under Jal Jeevan Mission?
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Synopsis
In a significant development, six states have jointly recovered Rs 11.83 crore in penalties for financial irregularities and inadequate work under the Jal Jeevan Mission. This article delves into the details behind these recoveries and their implications for rural water supply initiatives.
Key Takeaways
- Rs 11.83 crore recovered in penalties across six states.
- Financial irregularities highlighted in the Jal Jeevan Mission.
- Significant actions taken against officials and contractors.
- Progress in rural water supply is evident with 12.52 crore additional connections.
- Transparency and accountability are crucial for project success.
New Delhi, Dec 18 (NationPress) A total of Rs 11.83 crore has been recovered in penalties across six states—Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Gujarat, Assam, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan—due to financial irregularities and substandard work under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), as disclosed in Parliament on Thursday.
The Minister of Jal Shakti, C.R. Paatil, noted in a written response to the Lok Sabha that two states, Uttar Pradesh and Tripura, reported recovering Rs 340 crore from contractors for liquidated damages.
In Uttar Pradesh, inquiries have been initiated in 14,264 complaints received from various sources, including suo moto cognizance. Reports have been submitted in 14,212 cases, while investigations are ongoing in 52 cases.
Actions have been taken in 434 cases, which involve 171 departmental officials, 120 contractors, and 143 Third-Party Inspection Agencies (TPIAs), while the rest have either been resolved or deemed irrelevant, according to Paatil.
The Gujarat government reported a financial loss of Rs 120.65 crore due to irregularities in 620 villages of Mahisagar district, with recovery orders issued against 112 implementing agencies.
So far, Rs 6.65 crore has been recovered from these agencies, all of which have been debarred by the state government, and an FIR has been registered. The case is under investigation by the CID Crime Branch, with 9 officials/contractors arrested.
According to data from 32 states/UTs, actions have been taken against 621 departmental officials, 969 contractors, and 153 TPIAs regarding financial irregularities and poor quality of work under JJM.
Departmental officials implicated in these irregularities are subject to administrative actions including suspension, departmental inquiries, and charge sheets, as stated by the Union Minister.
Since its launch in August 2019, the Union government has been executing JJM in collaboration with states/UTs to ensure that every rural household has access to safe and sufficient tap water.
At the inception of JJM in August 2019, only 3.23 crore (16.7 percent) rural households had tap water connections. As of December 11, 2025, approximately 12.52 crore additional rural households have been provided connections under JJM, according to Paatil.
Consequently, as of December 11, 2025, out of 19.36 crore rural households nationwide, over 15.76 crore (81.41 percent) are reported to have tap water connections.
Point of View
I stand with the nation to emphasize the importance of accountability in public projects like the Jal Jeevan Mission. The recovery of significant penalties highlights the necessity for transparency and quality in implementation, ensuring that every rural household receives the water supply they deserve.
NationPress
18/12/2025
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 supply through tap connections to every rural household in India.
Which states have recovered penalties?
The states that have recovered penalties are Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Gujarat, Assam, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
How much penalty has been recovered?
A total of Rs 11.83 crore has been recovered in penalties due to financial irregularities and poor quality of work.
What actions have been taken against officials?
Action has been taken against 621 departmental officials, 969 contractors, and 153 TPIAs, including suspensions and departmental inquiries.
What progress has been made in providing water connections?
As of December 11, 2025, more than 15.76 crore rural households have been provided with tap water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
