‘Tardy pace’ of works under Jal Jeevan Mission irks Minister

‘Officials failed to prepare action plan despite availability of funds’

Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy has expressed his dissatisfaction over the tardy progress of works under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Addressing a workshop organised on Tuesday, Mr. Ramachandra Reddy said it was planned to take up works at a cost of ₹7,251.72 crore. “But, the officials have failed to prepare action plan for the same,” the Minister said. “The inordinate delay in inviting tenders is creating problems at many places. Negligence is hampering the process. It is also alleged that a delay in the execution of works immediately after finalisation of tenders is leading to suspension of works. The contractors are not taking up the works due to rise in diesel, steel and cement prices after finalisation of tenders,” he said.