17,036 complaints received under Jal Jeevan Mission from States, Union Territories: Centre

The Jal Shakti Ministry on Monday (November 1, 2025) said more than 17,000 complaints of financial irregularities and poor quality works have been received under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in the last three years and the current year, with Uttar Pradesh alone accounting for 84% of them.

In a written response to the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Jal Shakti V. Somanna stated that, according to data submitted by 32 States and Union Territories (U.T.s), 17,036 complaints were received from various sources, including media reports, suo motu cognisance, public representatives, citizens, and grievance portals.

Mr. Somanna said, “Action has so far been taken against 621 departmental officials, 969 contractors, and 153 Third-Party Inspection Agencies (TPIAs) across the country.” Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number of complaints at 14,264, far exceeding all other States.

“The State of Uttar Pradesh has reported that it initiated enquiries in all 14,264 complaints received from various channels, including suo moto cognisance, and the report has been submitted in 14,212 cases, while the enquiry is in process in 52 cases. The State has further reported that against these complaints, action was taken in 434 cases which involve 171 department-level officials, 120 contractors and 143 TPIAs, while remaining complaints have either been addressed or found irrelevant,” he said.

Among other States, Assam reported 1,236 complaints, Tripura 376, Rajasthan 183, Maharashtra 154, Karnataka 169, and West Bengal 173. Several States, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, Goa, and the U.T.s of Puducherry and Lakshadweep, reported no complaints.

The Ministry said complaints were received through multiple channels, adding that the States are responsible for inquiry and corrective action.

Data shows that Rajasthan reported action against 170 officials, Madhya Pradesh against 151, West Bengal acted against 142 contractors, while Tripura took action against 376 contractors. The Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in 2019, aims to provide tap water connections to all rural households.