SHILLONG, Jan 20: The BJP has demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Meghalaya.
On Monday, BJP leader Bernard Marak claimed the state government submitted false reports to the Centre on the progress of the scheme. According to him, the official claims that most villages in Meghalaya now have access to water are misleading.
“JJM is not being implemented as per the reports. The state claims that most villages have water, but our findings revealed there are no tanks, no intact points, and no distribution systems,” Marak said.
He said contrary to the official reports, 90 per cent of the villages out of a surveyed 100 are not receiving water.
He demanded an independent inquiry, stating, “It is the state’s duty to address these issues. We are asking for a CBI investigation into this big scam. I hope our state president will support us in handing over the matter to the CBI.”
Marak urged Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to back the demand for a probe, stating that only an independent body like the CBI or a similar agency can ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of the scheme.
This is not the first time that JJM has faced scrutiny in Meghalaya. Allegations of its shoddy implementation surfaced from time to time, but the state government has always denied any wrongdoing.
Marak also criticised the MDA government for allegedly failing to deliver equitable development, highlighting disparities among Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo Hills. He said the Garo Hills region continues to lag behind in education and healthcare. He alleged that contracts and facilities are disproportionately awarded to the members of a particular political party.
“People are unhappy under the MDA government as they aspire for better facilities and governance,” Marak said, adding that the party remains committed to addressing inequality.
He, however, defended the BJP’s continued support for the government, stating that the decision was made at the central level.
“We will be with MDA, but we will not support injustice and inequality,” he clarified.
