**Subject:** Summary of Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1937 Regarding Irregularities in Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)
**Date:** October 26, 2023
**Summary:**
This document summarizes the response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1937, answered on July 31, 2025, concerning alleged irregularities within the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). The question raised by Shri Rakesh Rathor, inquired about complaints of corruption, cost escalation, substandard construction, and contracting irregularities leading to irregular water supply under the JJM.
The Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri V. Somanna, responded that water supply is a state subject. Consequently, the primary responsibility for planning, implementation, operation, and maintenance of piped water supply schemes rests with respective State/UT Governments. Grievances, including those related to corruption, substandard work, and financial irregularities, are primarily handled and resolved at the State/UT level. The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation forwards complaints received to the relevant state governments for corrective action.
To address quality concerns, the Department undertakes various measures including functionality assessments, ground truthing by National WASH Experts, call-based feedback from complainants, field visits by National Teams, and status reviews in meetings.
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India, has appointed Central Nodal Officers (CNOs) for ground inspection of JJM schemes across identified districts. These visits are ongoing, and reports are currently being submitted. Any disciplinary or legal action will be taken by the respective state government.
Key Entities Referenced
Jal Shakti: The Indian government ministry responsible for water resources and sanitation.
Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation: A department under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India.
Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): A Government of India initiative to provide tap water to every rural household by 2024.
SHRI RAKESH RATHOR: A member of Lok Sabha who raised a question regarding irregularities in JJM.
SHRI V. SOMANNA: The Minister of State for Jal Shakti who provided the answer to the Lok Sabha question.
State/UT Government: Refers to the government of individual states and union territories within India, responsible for implementing water supply schemes.
Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT): A department of the Government of India responsible for personnel management policies.
Central Nodal Officers (CNOs): Officers appointed by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) for ground inspection of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) schemes.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI
DEPARTMENT OF DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1937
ANSWERED ON 31/07/2025
IRREGULARITIES IN JJM
†1937. SHRI RAKESH RATHOR:
Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware that under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), there have been
complaints from several States regarding corruption, cost escalation, substandard construction
and irregularities in contracting in the schemes for providing tap water to rural households
resulting in irregular water supply to the rural population;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with number of inspection reports received from the districts
where 119 Central Nodal Officers were deployed by the Government including the main
findings thereof;
(c) whether the Government has taken any disciplinary or legal action against the contractors
or officials found responsible based on those reports; and
(d) if not, whether the Government is considering any policy proposal in the near future to
strengthen the citizen grievance mechanism and to implement a robust regulatory system and
if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI
(SHRI V. SOMANNA)
(a) Water is a state subject and, therefore, the primary responsibility for planning,
implementation, and operation & maintenance (O&M) of piped water supply schemes to
provide tap water to rural households, lies with the respective State/UT Government. As such,
grievances/ complaints, etc. inter alia including corruption, sub-standard work and financial
irregularities under JJM are handled and disposed of at the State/ UT level. Such complaints/
representations as and when received in this department are forwarded to the state government
for taking necessary corrective measures. Further, Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation
undertakes several measures such as functionality assessment, ground truthing by National
WASH Experts, call-based feedback from complainant, field visits by National Teams, status
review in meetings, etc. to ensure that the complaints related to quality of works are addressed
by the State/UT.
(b) to (d) Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India has appointed
Central Nodal Officers (CNOs) for the ground inspection of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) schemes
across identified districts. The visits of CNOs and report submission is currently underway.
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