Boko: Allegations of a massive scam have surfaced regarding the implementation of the JJM (Jal Jeevan Mission) scheme along the Assam-Meghalaya border under the Boko Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED) Sub-Division. Residents of the Hahim area have reported specific instances of irregularities and corruption.
Local accused PHED contractors and engineers of running scams in the implementation of the Prime Minister’s ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission. They have expressed regret that despite the scheme, people in the Hahim area continue to suffer from a scarcity of drinking water. Previous water supply schemes, constructed at significant expense, have completely failed due to departmental negligence.
Investigations revealed that 5-6 water supply connections, including bib cocks, pillars, and pipes, have been installed in front of the Hahim Police Outpost. Similarly, another 5-6 connections have been set up near the State Veterinary Dispensary in Hahim, close to the police outpost, and even at a bus stop. According to some JJM contractors, around ₹3000 were allocated for each bib cock, pillar, and pipe setup for each beneficiary under the JJM scheme.
A three-day meeting of assistant executive engineers from the PHED was held in Sonitpur from May 19 to 21. Participants from the Lower Assam Zone, Barak Valley Zone, BTAD, and DHAC focused on the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). JJM Assam Mission Director and former Kamrup District DC Kailash Karthik N spoke on the responsibilities of assistant executive engineers. Sonitpur DC Deba Kumar Mishra discussed the execution of JJM in the district. Kamrup (Metro) DC Sumit Sattawan addressed inter-departmental coordination, and Syedain Abbasi, Special Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam, emphasized the importance of monitoring schemes.
Attempts to contact PHED Boko Sub-Division officer Mukut Barman were unsuccessful as he did not respond to phone calls. However, office staff informed that the site engineer for the area is Pradip Kalita, assistant engineer of Boko PHED Sub-Division. They also mentioned that despite multiple setups of water connections in one spot, the contractor is required to provide details of the connections for each household, including beneficiaries’ identity cards, before receiving payment for the work.
Other JJM contractors commented that having too many connections in one place is unlikely, but it could occur if previous setups are not functioning. They noted that the area falls under Hahim NC and that work on JJM connections is still ongoing.
Residents alleged that due to the backwardness and lack of education in the Hahim area, government officials and contractors are exploiting the situation for their own benefit. Consequently, ambitious water supply schemes have repeatedly failed, leaving the people of the area to suffer from a continued scarcity of drinking water.
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