Bengaluru, 29 NOV

State Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Priyank Kharge, has urged Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil to expedite the release of pending funds under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) to ensure timely access to safe drinking water for rural households in the state.

Kharge noted that Karnataka has made significant advancements in the mission, with over 86 per cent of rural households having received water connections. He highlighted that ongoing multi-village and single-village schemes are at various stages of implementation.

In a letter to Patil, Kharge pointed out that the state has allocated Rs 11,050 crore for the current financial year and has invested a total of Rs 35,698.58 crore in JJM against an approved cost of Rs 69,487.60 crore. "Out of the total expenditure, the state share is Rs 24,598.45 crore, while the central share is only Rs 11,786.63 crore," he stated, reflecting a significant shortfall in central government funding.

With bills amounting to approximately Rs 1,700 crore pending, Kharge warned that delays could hinder progress, as some contractors have begun to downsize their workforce. He emphasised the urgency for the central share to be released promptly to prevent further hindrances to effective implementation of the scheme.