Central Govt Funds Dry Up, Jal Jeevan Mission Progress Slows in Maharashtra Maharashtra’s implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JMM), a central government initiative to provide tap water connections to every rural household in India, has faced significant challenges due to the lack of central funds since September 2024. The state government informed the legislature on Monday that the absence of central financial support has slowed the pace of work across the state, prompting the state to release additional funds to sustain progress. Cabinet minister Gulabrao Patil stated that despite the central share remaining unavailable since September 2024, the state government allocated nearly Rs2,500 crore in 2024-25 and approximately Rs2,350 crore in 2025-26 as a special measure. This combined allocation of over Rs4,800 crore has enabled implementing agencies to continue their efforts. Patil emphasized that the state’s financial contributions have been critical in maintaining the momentum of the mission. The Union finance minister’s announcement in the 2025-26 budget extended the JMM’s timeline to December 2028, with the Central Jal Shakti Ministry indicating the extension was under consideration. The ministry also directed states to continue implementation using their own funds until central funds were received, noting that water supply is a state subject. Legislators raised concerns about the potential impact of delayed payments on contractors. MLAs questioned whether contractors had halted work due to unpaid dues, highlighting the risk of project delays. Patil confirmed that the Maharashtra State Water Supply Contractors Association warned in a December 6, 2025, letter that it would stop work if JJM-related demands were not met.#maharashtra #central_govt #jal_jeewan_mission #gulabrao_patil
