The ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), launched by the Government of India in 2019 under the flagship scheme Har Ghar Jal, aims to provide functional household tap connections with clean drinking water to every rural household by 2024. However, in reality, the scheme has become a symbol of corruption and deception in Senapati District, Manipur. Years of malpractice, fake documentation, and gross misappropriation of funds by concerned authorities have resulted in a complete failure of the program in many Naga villages, leaving thousands of households without access to safe drinking water.
Fake Reports, Zero Implementation
The official JJM Dashboard presents an utterly misleading picture of water supply coverage in Oklong, Oklong Maryram, and Oklong Khonuo villages. According to government data, Oklong village, which has 418 households, is reported to have 364 households (87.08%) with functional tap connections.
The ground reality, however, tells a different story—not a single household has received a water pipe or tap. Similarly, Oklong Maryram, which consists of 172 households, is reported to have 100% tap water coverage, yet not a single house has such a connection. In Oklong Khonuo, where 73 households exist, government records claim that 60 households (82.19%) have tap connections. In truth, no such infrastructure exists.
This blatant discrepancy between official reports and actual implementation exposes a deep-rooted fraud. The only visible infrastructure in some villages is an iron tap installed in cement blocks, purely for photography and documentation purposes, without any actual water connection.
Where is the Money Going?
The Jal Jeevan Mission, along with the NDB (New Development Bank) project, has pumped crores of rupees into Manipur to improve rural water supply. Yet, in most Naga villages, the impact is non-existent. The funds meant for critical infrastructure are being siphoned off by corrupt officials in the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED).
The responsibility for this massive fraud must be placed on multiple levels. The State Government has failed to ensure proper execution and monitoring of the scheme. The Minister of PHED has turned a blind eye to the misuse of funds. The Executive Engineer (EE) and Junior Engineers (JEs) in Senapati District, who are directly responsible for implementing the project, must also be held accountable for this mismanagement.
This is not just an administrative failure; it is a violation of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The Supreme Court of India has interpreted the right to drinking water as an essential part of the right to life, making it a legal obligation of the state to ensure access to clean water. The deliberate misuse of funds by PHED and local authorities is not just corruption but a crime against the people.
Investigate the Misuse of Public Funds
Given the scale of fraud, an independent investigation by the Special Investigation Cell (SIC) or the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) must be conducted to unearth the truth and hold those responsible accountable. The villagers of Senapati District deserve answers, and those guilty of corruption must face legal action under the law of the state.
Role of Civil Society in Fighting Corruption
The systematic exploitation of village communities, who often lack formal education and awareness about their rights, must end. This calls for the active involvement of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) such as the Naga Peoples Organization (NPO), Student Associations and Unions, Women’s Organizations, and Village Authorities and Vigilance Committees.
Strict community monitoring of government projects must become the norm to prevent further mismanagement and ensure transparency. If we continue to allow corruption to thrive, our villages will remain stagnant, deprived of essential services, and unable to achieve true development.
The Youth Must Rise Against Corruption
The educated youth of every Naga village must step forward to expose and fight corruption. It is time to challenge the false claims of government reports and demand justice for our communities. Clean drinking water is a basic human right, not a privilege. The fight against corruption is not just about accountability; it is about securing a better future for generations to come.
The fraud in the Jal Jeevan Mission/NDB scheme in Senapati District is not just a local issue—it is a scandal that demands nationwide attention and immediate government intervention. The time for silence is over. It is time for action, accountability, and justice.
Views expressed are personal and do not reflect EastMojo’s stance on this or any other issue.
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