Jal Jeevan Mission Fails Across Assam

The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), launched by the central government with the ambitious goal of ensuring “Har Ghar Jal” (water to every household), has come under severe scrutiny in multiple regions of Assam. Intended to provide safe and adequate drinking water in rural areas, the scheme has become a source of frustration and anger for many villagers.

Despite the allocation of crores of rupees and the installation of infrastructure on paper, residents across various districts report that water supply systems are either non-functional or were never completed. What was envisioned as a flagship rural development program is increasingly being perceived as a symbol of official apathy, corruption, and failed implementation.

Duliajan

In Saruabhoipuria village under Tengakhat in the Duliajan constituency, the much-anticipated Jal Jeevan Mission scheme has turned out to be a bitter disappointment for locals. A project worth ₹53.55 lakh resulted in just a few concrete poles, with no real infrastructure to supply clean drinking water. Villagers who donated their land in hopes of access to water and promises of compensation or employment are left with nothing.

One resident shared, “We donated our land in hopes that we’d get access to clean water. But they have not even completed 10 percent of the work.” Another lamented, “This is a complete scam. The contractors and officials have looted public money. Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah is lying to the people.”

Jonai

The story is no different in Jonai, where a Jal Jeevan Mission facility built two years ago has failed to deliver results. Constructed with poor-quality materials by the Public Health Engineering Department under the Dhemaji Division, the project operated irregularly for just a few months and has now completely ceased to function.

A local Jalmitra explained, “It worked for 2–3 days at a stretch and then stopped. The pipes are leaking, and the construction is of substandard quality.” Another resident noted, “All we have seen are pipes but never water.” The All Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) has demanded an on-the-spot investigation before releasing any further payments to contractors. Gyan Sharma of AJYCP remarked, “Although facilities exist, they have failed to deliver clean water. It’s clear that public money has been wasted.”

Mankachar

In Maliralga village under Mankachar constituency, the Jal Jeevan Mission scheme was implemented at a cost of Rs 1.28 crore to provide water to 295 households. The facility functioned briefly before breaking down completely about seven months ago. Despite complaints and even visits by the District Commissioner, the issue remains unresolved.

Locals expressed frustration, stating, “It only worked for a month. We’ve raised complaints, but nothing has changed.” The poor construction quality and lack of accountability have fueled public anger, with many demanding answers from the Assam Government and Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah. 

Tamarhat

Tamarhat has seen perhaps the most scathing critique of the Jal Jeevan Mission. In areas such as Borjan, Sarpamari, Haripur, and Kachari Gaon, crores of rupees have been spent, yet clean water remains a distant dream. Residents sarcastically rebranded the scheme as “Jayantar Jepot Money” (money in Jayanta’s pocket), accusing Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah of rampant corruption.

“There are places where infrastructure exists but there’s no water, and other places where there’s no infrastructure at all,” locals said. “The Prime Minister’s dream scheme has become a joke in the hands of corrupt officials.”

Across these constituencies, the Jal Jeevan Mission has consistently failed to meet its goal of providing clean drinking water to rural households, exposing severe lapses in governance, planning, and execution. The voices on the ground demand accountability, transparency, and immediate corrective action.

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