Assam has recorded the second-highest number of complaints under the Centre’s Jal Jeevan Mission, with 1,226 grievances flagged, the government informed the Rajya Sabha on March 30.
In a written reply, Minister of State for Jal Shakti V Somanna stated that a total of 18,790 complaints have been received across the country under the mission, which aims to provide potable tap water to every rural household. Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number at 16,178 complaints, followed by Assam.
The grievances include issues such as financial irregularities, substandard work, and non-functional tap connections, with inputs coming from media reports, public representatives, citizens, and grievance redressal portals.
The minister reiterated that drinking water falls under the jurisdiction of state governments, which are primarily responsible for implementation, while the Centre extends financial and technical assistance under the scheme.
Sharing progress details, Somanna said that since the launch of the mission in August 2019, more than 12.59 crore rural households across India have been provided tap water connections. As of March 8, about 81.72 per cent of rural households in the country have access to tap water.
He also pointed out key challenges affecting implementation, including water scarcity, groundwater contamination, difficult terrain, and dispersed habitations—factors that are particularly relevant for states like Assam.
The Centre has extended the Jal Jeevan Mission till December 2028 with an increased financial outlay to complete pending work, while prioritising coverage in vulnerable regions through coordinated efforts with state governments.
