CAG finds 33.22% of JJM households in 10 districts still lack tap connections

This audit examined the implementation and compliance of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in West Bengal and the functioning of Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) and State Transport Authorities (STAs) for the period ended 31 March 2024.

Government of West Bengal, specifically the Public Health Engineering Department (JJM) and the Transport Department (RTOs/STAs).

• Only 34% of rural households in West Bengal had Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) as of March 2024, leaving 1.16 crore households uncovered.
• Of the total Central allocation of ₹19,595.02 crore for 2019-24, only ₹10,502.85 crore (53.60%) was released due to poor financial progress.
• 85.27% (7,961 out of 9,336) of approved schemes were incomplete as of December 2024.
• ₹1.62 crore was wasted on Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for 707 schemes that were subsequently dropped due to improper planning.
• ₹2.13 crore expenditure was rendered wasteful and ₹2.96 crore unfruitful due to non-functional or ineffective Community Water Purification Plants (CWPPs).
• ISAs received an undue benefit of ₹7.25 crore as agency profit without providing affidavits confirming charitable use.
• ₹6.41 crore was incurred on inadmissible repair, maintenance, and office renovation works in five districts.
• None of the 455 completed schemes in test-checked districts were handed over to local communities for Operation & Maintenance (O&M).
• 87 out of 88 test-checked laboratories did not test for sulphate and nitrate, posing a serious risk.
• Transport Department audits found non-realisation of various fees including registration, permit, fitness, and road taxes, as well as plying of vehicles without permits.

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