Allegations of significant fraud have emerged concerning the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) implementation across multiple villages in Manipur. Reports indicate that data discrepancies and misleading information have been observed in the JJM dashboard, raising concerns about potential corruption.
Village authorities from Maram Khullen Khulakpa Sagai, Maram Khullen Mathak Sagai, Maram Makha Sagai in Senapati district; Kachai village in Ukhrul district; Narum village in Tengnoupal district; Khoibu village in Tengnoupal district; Nungba village in Noney district; and Phubala village in Bishnupur district have highlighted specific instances where reported data does not align with actual conditions.
R Mingthing Shimray, headman of Kachai Village, reported that the JJM official website claims 85.24 percent of households in Kachai have received functional tap connections. However, he stated that no households have actually received these connections, and even schools and anganwadi centers remain unconnected.
Similarly, in Narum village, beneficiaries listed as having tap water connections according to the dashboard are reported to have none. Shemson from Khoibu village expressed concerns about the accuracy of the JJM website, noting that despite a banner indicating project completion in December 2021, no tap water connections have been established.
Gaikhuanliu Gangmei from Nungba village criticized the JJM’s reported coverage, stating that while the website claims 78.35 percent of rural households in Manipur are covered, the data for Nungba village is inaccurate. He indicated that, contrary to the dashboard’s claim of 97.57 percent household coverage, none of the 411 households have received connections.
In Phubala village, T Shamananda reported that although the dashboard indicates 250 households are connected, none have actually been serviced. Pung Marius Kashing from Maram Khullen Khulakpa Sagai also reported discrepancies, asserting that listed connections are non-existent.
Village authorities have approached the Manipur Human Rights Commission, demanding stringent action against those responsible for the alleged data manipulation. Similar issues have also been reported by the Imphal Free Press in Pumlenpat Khoidum Lamjao and Arong Nongmeikhong villages.
