Only two states from the North East — Assam and Tripura — have taken concrete steps to impose penalties and recover funds in cases of financial irregularities and poor-quality work under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), even though the scheme is being implemented across 32 states and Union Territories.
The information was shared in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for Jal Shakti V. Somanna in a written reply to a question on Tuesday.
According to official data, Assam imposed penalties and recoveries amounting to Rs 5,08,089 lakh under the rural drinking water scheme. The government informed the House that the entire amount has already been recovered.
Tripura also reported full recovery of penalties imposed, with the total amount standing at Rs 1,22,96,739 crore. In addition, the state recovered Rs 7,09,903 from contractors as liquidated damages and forfeited Rs 2,83,065 through Earnest Money Deposits and Fixed Deposit Receipts.
The disclosure points to limited enforcement action under the Jal Jeevan Mission across the country, with most states yet to report similar steps against financial lapses or substandard execution of works.