Congress Criticizes Modi Government Over Jal Jeevan Mission Delays

The Congress accuses the Modi government of mismanaging the Jal Jeevan Mission, citing underestimated costs and insufficient progress. Despite a promise to provide tap water to all homes by March 2024, the scheme faces funding shortfalls and stalled developments, with state budgets unable to meet demands.

The Congress party has issued a sharp critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, denouncing its handling of the Jal Jeevan Mission as 'monumental mismanagement.'

The initiative, launched in August 2019, aimed to provide every household with drinking water by March 2024. However, seven months past the deadline, the mission is far from completion, raising concerns over its financial feasibility. The Congress underscores that initial cost estimates were significantly off-mark, with the real cost now appearing to have doubled.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh has revealed that central funding, which was supposed to cover 50-60% of costs, is insufficient, hence state governments struggle to proceed with investments. In Madhya Pradesh, the state budgeted over 7,671 crores for the initiative, yet the central government's contribution has been limited to just 4,044 crores, leading to halted work and pending payments. The situation has prompted several Chief Ministers to appeal for additional funds, signaling a crisis in fulfilling this crucial mission.

(With inputs from agencies.)