New Delhi:The dream project of the union government - the Jal Jeevan Mission-is receiving complaints from the sarpanches and villagers across the country as they allege that cost for giving the Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) was increased to Rs.1000 by the centre. However, the Jal Shakti Ministry ministry is refusing such charges.
On the 75th Independence Day celebrations on August 15, 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) to ensure 55 litres per capita per day.
Even though the government had allocated Rs 3.50 lakh crore to provide Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) within 2024, the village panchayats are upset with the revised cost for the tap connection.
The incident came to limelight after Tamil Nadu Police booked 11 Village Panchayat Presidents in Ariyalur district after they staged a protest against the JJM citing the cost for tap waterline connection.
The same issue has been said in Kerala, Odisha and other states where the Mission is getting implemented.
Speaking to media, one Gnanamoorthy, a DMK functionary, said that during the term DMK and 2011-2016 term of AIADMK, they had collected only least amount for tap connections.
"Now, the district water and sanitation department has directed all the Village Water and Sanitation Committee to collect Rs.1000 for giving tap line connection under JJM. They are asking the same amount for retrofitting the tap water connection too," he said.
When ETV Bharat cross-checked the matter with other states including Odisha, Maharastra, and Haryana, it was confirmed by us that the cost is high for giving the tap water connection.
When contacted the officials with the Jal Shakti Ministry, they claimed this is not a new one.
"When the Mission launched, we clearly said that the public should contribute to the mission for its efficient implementation. This is not just a government project. It is also a project of people they should contribute and take part in this mission to attain FHTC status by 2024," a senior officer said.
When questioned about the necessity for paying Rs.1000 for the project he said, "Actually, many are possessing illegal tap water connection across the country. As we want to make them legal, we are demanding them to pay the deposit money. However, they are confusing the people that the government has been asking too much money for FHTC under JJM. It is not true," the officer cleared the air.
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