JAMMU, MARCH 22: Speaker Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, today announced formation of a House Committee to probe the alleged irregularities in implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in J&K.
The Speaker said that there had been a constant demand from several Legislators regarding constitution of a House Committee since start of the Budget session.
“House is supreme and there is no harm in formation of a House Committee to Probe the alleged irregularities in JJM,” maintained the Speaker.
The Speaker announced the formation of a House Committee following a discussion on grants for departments overseen by Minister for Public Health & Forests, Environment, Javed Rana. The decision came after members from both the Treasury and Opposition benches called for an investigation into alleged irregularities.
“During the discussion, members across party lines demanded the formation of a House Committee to probe the matter. I don’t think the minister should have any reservations about it. If the House seeks an inquiry, it should proceed,” the Speaker stated, emphasizing the supremacy of the House.
Though the Speaker concluded the proceedings, BJP MLA Sunil Sharma insisted on further debate over the issue. However, NC legislator Rather responded, saying, “The matter has been under debate since morning.”
Speaking to reporters outside the Assembly Secretariat, Minister Javed Rana stated that he had no objections to the formation of a House Committee to investigate the alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
Several MLAs had earlier raised concerns about the scheme during the discussion on grants for the PHE department. Congress Legislature Party leader Ghulam Ahmed Mir described JJM as a “major scam” and demanded a thorough investigation.
Adding to the concerns, another Congress legislator, Nizamuddin Bhat, pointed out that a former administrative secretary had also alleged corruption in the scheme’s implementation. He called for a House Committee to examine these claims.
NC MLA Aijaz Jan went a step further, demanding that the matter be investigated by central agencies such as the NIA and CBI.