Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Wednesday told the Legislative Assembly that all irregularities highlighted by the House Committee in the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) works would be investigated and appropriate action taken on the basis of the findings.
Responding to discussions on the House Committee report on alleged irregularities in JJM projects, Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmed Rana said the government takes such observations seriously and would ensure that every complaint and allegation is thoroughly examined.
He said the concerned authorities would investigate all issues pointed out by the House Committee before any further action is taken.
The Minister also informed the House that complaints received from the public regarding JJM works would be examined through the respective Deputy Commissioners, who would be authorised to verify the ground situation and conduct necessary inquiries.
Rana said funding constraints over the past four years had affected the pace of several schemes. Despite these challenges, he said, more than 90 per cent of the projects under the mission had been completed and appreciated the efforts of officers and contractors involved in their execution.
He said the government would follow a balanced approach while dealing with concerns raised in the report.
“Wherever the House Committee has pointed out irregularities, the matter will be properly investigated. Where there are no complaints or adverse findings, the works will continue and legitimate payments to contractors will be released as per rules,” the Minister said.
He added that the government’s objective was to ensure accountability while maintaining uninterrupted implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission so that people continue to receive the intended benefits of the scheme.
Earlier, House Committee Chairman Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi made a brief statement on the committee’s report regarding alleged irregularities in JJM works, which had been tabled in the House on September 21.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather observed that several people had complained that the committee had not visited their areas and said they should also be given an opportunity to present their concerns. He said the government would verify genuine complaints and ascertain the actual position on the ground.
The Speaker further noted that members dissatisfied with the government’s response or action taken on the report could seek further discussion under the Rules of Procedure of the House.
