Rajasthan – Jal Jeevan Mission Probe Deepens After Fresh Arrests
Rajasthan – The alleged irregularities linked to the Jal Jeevan Mission in Rajasthan have resurfaced in public debate after fresh arrests in the Water Supply Department, bringing renewed focus to a case that has stirred political controversy for over a year.
The latest development involves the arrest of senior officials, including a chief engineer (administration), in connection with an alleged Rs 930 crore scam. Investigating agencies are examining suspected violations in the tendering process under the centrally sponsored Jal Jeevan Mission, a flagship scheme aimed at providing tap water to rural households.
Minister Repeats Allegations of Large-Scale Irregularities
State minister Kirodi Lal Meena has once again alleged that the irregularities in the project extend far beyond the recent arrests. He has maintained that the overall financial impact could be as high as Rs 20,000 crore, describing it as one of the largest alleged procurement scandals in the state’s recent history.
Meena has argued that the tender process under the Jal Jeevan Mission did not adhere to the Rajasthan Transparency in Public Procurement Act, 2012. According to him, certain provisions of the Act were overlooked during the awarding of contracts. The law prescribes penalties ranging from six months to five years of imprisonment for proven violations.
Protest in 2023 Brought Issue to Forefront
The controversy first gained widespread attention in June 2023. At that time, the Congress government led by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot was in office. Meena staged a two-day sit-in outside the Ashok Nagar police station in Jaipur, demanding that an FIR be registered over alleged irregularities in the mission’s tender process.
During his protest, Meena questioned the state government’s repeated claims that every complaint received by the police was promptly converted into a formal case. He said he had approached the police station to file a complaint citing violations under Section 17 of the procurement law but was compelled to protest when the FIR was not registered.
The demonstration resulted in his arrest, further intensifying political tensions in the state at the time. Senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party had publicly backed his protest, turning the issue into a significant political flashpoint.
Recent Arrests Revive Political Debate
The arrest of key officials from the Water Supply Department has once again placed the Jal Jeevan Mission under scrutiny. Authorities are investigating financial transactions and the procedures followed in awarding contracts. While details of the ongoing probe remain confidential, officials have indicated that the investigation is progressing.
A former minister named in connection with the case has secured bail. Sources familiar with the matter suggest that additional arrests cannot be ruled out as agencies continue to review documents and examine financial records.
The renewed action has revived sharp political exchanges between ruling and opposition leaders in Rajasthan. While the current government has emphasized its commitment to a transparent investigation, opposition voices have called for accountability at the highest levels.
Investigation Continues Amid Public Interest
The Jal Jeevan Mission remains a crucial national program intended to expand rural water supply infrastructure. Given its scale and public importance, any allegation of financial misconduct has drawn close attention from both political observers and citizens.
Investigative agencies have stated that they are pursuing the matter in accordance with established legal procedures. As inquiries continue, the case is expected to remain a central topic in Rajasthan’s political landscape, especially with the possibility of further developments in the coming weeks.
For now, the focus remains on the findings of the probe and whether the evidence substantiates the allegations of widespread irregularities in the implementation of the water supply scheme.