Imphal: The Congress on Wednesday alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Manipur and called for a court-monitored probe into the matter.
The opposition party also claimed that “recurring discrepancies” across districts suggest possible large-scale misuse of public funds, lack of accountability and failure to monitor mechanisms by the implementing agencies.
The party has demanded an investigation into what it called “a blatant fraud on the people of the State.”
Addressing a press conference, Lok Sabha member from Manipur, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, said while the Jal Shakti Ministry claimed 80% of rural households in the State had been provided with tap water, the ground reality revealed a completely different story. “Such claims are a blatant fraud on the people of the State,” he said.
Congress MP from Inner Manipur said he wants the nation to know that a “huge scandal” is taking place under the JJM in Manipur.
“I have been following this as part of the DISHA committee meeting. In the Lok Sabha, I asked the minister to provide the details of how many houses have been provided with water connections.
“The reply mentioned that before the scheme was launched in August 2019, there were around 26,000 (5.74 per cent of the rural households) that had tap water connections in Manipur. After the launch of this scheme, it grew to 3,33,539 additional rural households with tap water connections,” he said.
Thus, as of July 28, 2025, out of 4,51,619 rural households in the state, the provision of tap water supply is available to 3,59,459 (79.59%) rural households, he said.
“I also asked for a district-wise breakup and how much money was spent on these, and they responded by mentioning that Rs 1,202 crore has been utilised, of which the central share utilised is Rs 1,078.82 crore and the state’s share is Rs 124.03 crore,” he said.
Akoijam said he personally visited several villages and found that “in most cases, even pipes had not been laid.” “It was only after I raised the issue that work began — belatedly— on laying pipes,” he claimed.
Calling the episode “a systemic case of data manipulation and fund misappropriation,” the MP said the alleged scam occurred at a time when Manipur was already reeling under violence and instability.
Taking cognisance of these discrepancies, the Congress MP has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) petition in the Manipur High Court seeking a court-monitored probe, a comprehensive audit of JJM funds, and verification of household tap water connections.
“I have moved a case in the Manipur High Court, as this is a huge scam. I want the nation to know that such a huge scandal is taking place under the Jal Jeevan Mission in Manipur,” the Congress MP said.
Akoijam claimed that he visited several villages, including Toubul, Nachou, Phubala, Patsoi Part-II, Kiyamgei and Yurembam.
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In every village visited, not a single household reported having a functional tap water supply, contradicting official claims, he stated.
The petition also urges recognition of access to safe drinking water as part of the fundamental Right to Life under Article 21.
