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Jaipur, Oct 9 (IANS) Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has accused the BJP government of massive corruption and inefficiency in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission and alleged that their mismanagement has resulted in huge losses to the scheme.
“In the Budget 2024-25, the BJP government announced 25 lakh new water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission, but could deliver only 9.44 lakh.
This is much less than what was achieved under the Congress government – 13.88 lakh connections in 2022-23 and 12.17 lakh in 2023-24,” Gehlot said.
He further pointed out that in the Budget 2025-26, the BJP announced another target of 20 lakh tap connections, but even after six months of the financial year have passed, only 97,000 have been provided.
Gehlot said, “At this pace, the government will hardly be able to cross two lakh connections this year. This exposes the false promises and hollow claims of the BJP.”
Questioning the functioning of the Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED), Gehlot revealed that six additional chief engineers, three superintending engineers and 17 executive engineers have been kept on APO for a long time. Also, his “favorite officers” have been given double charge.
“What is the reason for sidelining senior officials and concentrating power in the hands of a few? Is this corrupt intention the reason for the failure of Jal Jeevan Mission under the BJP government?” Gehlot asked.
The former Chief Minister said that the people of Rajasthan deserve answers.
He urged Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil, who is visiting the state on October 11, to question the Chief Minister about the serious irregularities and dismal condition of the Jal Jeevan Mission under the so-called double engine government, saying, “Rajasthan is running a government of loot and lies today.”
Jal Jeevan Mission envisages providing safe and adequate drinking water through individual tap connections to all households in rural India.
–IANS
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