Raipur: The issue of irregularities in the Jal Jeevan Mission was raised in the Assembly on Thursday. MLA Dharamlal Kaushik demanded that FIRs be registered against guilty contractors and that they be blacklisted. He argued that taking strict action would help curb corruption in the state.
Earlier, Congress MLAs staged a walkout, expressing dissatisfaction with Deputy CM Arun Sao’s response to questions regarding the Jal Jeevan Mission. Sao stated that 355 villages had received water connections, and water supply was functional in 84 villages, with work still pending in seven.
Revenue Cases: 1.46 Lakh Cases Pending
Highlighting revenue issues, BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar stated that 1.46 lakh revenue cases remain unresolved, affecting farmers and villagers. He criticized the government for its failure to address these cases and called for systemic reforms.
Clash Over Jal Jeevan Mission: Sao vs. Chandrakar
Chandrakar raised concerns that water tanks and pipelines had been installed in villages where no water sources existed, calling it “blatant corruption.” He demanded action against responsible officials.
Former CM Bhupesh Baghel intervened, addressing Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, saying:
“Mr. Speaker, both of them (Chandrakar and Arun Sao) keep standing up together. Please direct one to speak at a time.”
Chandrakar retorted:
“This is a legacy of your government, and they are now facing its consequences.”
In response, Arun Sao clarified that contractors would not receive more than 70% of their payment until the project was completed. He assured that strict action would be taken against officials or contractors responsible for incomplete projects or areas with no water sources. However, Chandrakar remained skeptical, questioning when these promised actions would actually be implemented.
Industrial Closures in Rajnandgaon
During the session, Minister Lakhansingh Devangan shared details about his department. MLA Mahant pointed out that despite the government’s industrial policy, five industries in Rajnandgaon shut down within a year due to financial issues. He questioned why these industries were not supported.
In response, Minister Devangan stated that the industries had received subsidies as per government norms, including Rs 75.31 lakh in financial assistance and Rs 60 lakh in interest grants. He added that 18 industries had also shut down during Congress rule in 2023.
Repair of Keskal Road Demanded
MLA Neelkanth Tekam raised concerns over the 85-km road from Keskal Ghat to Kondagaon, which is in poor condition, leading to frequent accidents and pollution. He emphasized that the road is crucial not only for Chhattisgarh but also for Odisha and requires urgent renovation.
Minister Arun Sao responded that the project was divided into seven contract segments, with:
- 15 km already completed
- 6 km under blacktopping
- 18 km undergoing patch repairs
Key Questions Raised During Question Hour
- Savitri Mandavi (MLA): Questioned the non-functional water tanks in Kanker’s Charama, Bhanupratappur, and Durgkondal blocks, alleging contractor negligence.
- Minister Sao’s Response: Out of 355 villages, 84 have water supply, and work is ongoing in seven. Action is being taken where discrepancies are found.
- Dharamlal Kaushik: Pointed out that while some contractors involved in Jal Jeevan Mission corruption were blacklisted, only one had faced an FIR. He demanded FIRs against all blacklisted contractors.
- Minister Sao’s Response: The suggestion would be considered.
- Rajesh Munat: Questioned why Raipur still lacks a 24/7 water supply despite Rs 411 crore expenditure. He asked whether action would be taken against responsible officials.
- Minister Sao’s Response: If MLA Munat had evidence of overlapping projects or irregularities, he should provide them, and the government would investigate.
- Motilal Sahu: Highlighted that despite plans to provide tap connections in 45 of Raipur’s 70 wards under the Amrit Mission, many areas still lack water supply.
- Minister Sao’s Response: The water supply plan was based on a 2016-17 survey, but new circumstances require fresh assessments. Since Amrit Mission has ended for municipalities, alternative funding sources would be explored.
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