Centre’s directive on Jal Jeevan Mission coincides with MP Bimol Akoijam’s PIL alleging irregularities in Manipur

A recent directive from the Central Government seeking details of penalised contractors and inspection agencies under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) has coincided with the filing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by Lok Sabha MP Dr. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, who has alleged large-scale irregularities in the implementation of the scheme in Manipur.
The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, has reportedly asked all states and Union Territories to submit information on contractors and third-party inspection agencies penalised, blacklisted, or subjected to recovery for poor quality work under JJM. The directive also seeks details of action taken against officials responsible for lapses, as part of efforts to improve transparency and ensure quality in project execution.
Although there is no official confirmation that the Central directive is linked to the PIL filed by Dr. Bimol, the timing of both developments has drawn public attention. The Manipur MP, in his PIL before the High Court, has alleged manipulation of data, duplication of beneficiary entries, and misappropriation of funds under JJM in the state.
Official records presented in Parliament show that Manipur has reported a sharp rise in rural tap-water connections — from around 26,000 households in 2019 to over 3.3 lakh additional households as of July 2025. The state now claims that nearly 80 per cent of its 4.5 lakh rural households have functional tap connections. The total expenditure for JJM in the state is recorded at approximately Rs. 1,202 crore, with Rs. 1,078.82 crore as central share and Rs. 124.03 crore as the state’s contribution.
However, Dr. Bimol stated that his field visits to several villages, including Toubul, Nachou, Phubala, Kyamgei, Yurembam and Patsoi Part-II, revealed a starkly different reality, as most households did not have functioning water connections despite being listed as beneficiaries. His PIL (No. 24 of 2025) seeks a court-monitored probe and the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine alleged financial irregularities. It also requests the recognition of safe drinking water as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The Manipur High Court has admitted the petition and directed the State Government, Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and JJM Mission authorities to file their replies by November 18.
While the Centre’s directive appears to be a nationwide measure to enhance accountability under JJM, its coincidence with the legal action in Manipur has placed renewed focus on the state’s implementation of the rural water supply programme. Observers say both developments together highlight growing concerns over transparency and on-ground verification of JJM achievements in Manipur.