Guwahati: Assam has recorded the second-highest number of complaints under the Centre’s flagship Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), with 1,226 grievances flagged so far, according to data shared by the Union Government in the Rajya Sabha.
In a written reply on March 30, Minister of State for Jal Shakti V Somanna informed the House that a total of 18,790 complaints have been received nationwide under the mission, which aims to provide functional tap water connections to every rural household.
Uttar Pradesh topped the list with a staggering 16,178 complaints, followed by Assam. The grievances primarily relate to issues such as financial irregularities, poor quality of work, and non-functional tap connections. These complaints have been received through media reports, public representatives, citizens, and various grievance redressal portals.
The Minister reiterated that drinking water supply is a state subject, and the primary responsibility for implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission rests with the respective state governments. The Centre provides financial and technical assistance to support the states.
Since the launch of JJM in August 2019, more than 12.59 crore rural households across India have been provided with tap water connections. As of March 8, 81.72 per cent of rural households in the country have access to tap water.
The government has extended the Jal Jeevan Mission till December 2028 with an enhanced financial outlay to complete pending works. Special focus is being given to vulnerable and challenging regions through coordinated efforts between the Centre and state governments.
Implementation challenges highlighted include water scarcity, groundwater contamination, difficult terrain, and scattered habitations — issues particularly relevant to a state like Assam with its flood-prone areas and remote villages.
The high number of complaints in Assam has once again drawn attention to the need for stricter monitoring, quality control, and faster grievance redressal in the execution of rural water supply projects.
Tags: Jal Jeevan Mission Assam, JJM Complaints Assam, 1226 Grievances Assam, Uttar Pradesh JJM Complaints, Rural Tap Water Assam, Jal Shakti Ministry, Har Ghar Jal Assam, Northeast Water Supply, Assam Rural Development, JJM Extension 2028
Hashtags: #JalJeevanMission #AssamJJM #HarGharJal #RuralWaterAssam #JJMComplaints #AssamNews #NortheastIndia #TapWaterForAll #JalShakti #AssamElections2026
