Ranchi, Mar 14 (PTI) Jharkhand Water Resources Department Minister Yogendra Prasad on Saturday alleged that the Centre was delaying the release of its share of funds for completion of water supply schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission in the state.
He defended the demand for grants for his department in the Assembly by claiming that they were needed for providing water to each household in the state.
The minister, replying to Leader of Opposition, Babulal Marandi’s criticism about the laggard pace of implementation of the Centre’s scheme of providing water to each household, said that the Centre and the state’s contribution is 50:50 in the scheme.
“The Centre has released nearly Rs 5,987 crore, while the state government has spent nearly Rs 7,385 crore. The Centre has to pay an amount of Rs 6,270 crore, which has been pending for a long time. This is delaying the execution of the Har Ghar Jal yojana under Jal Jeevan Mission,” the minister said.
He said that to improve the water supply system in the state, the government is contemplating signing a non-financial agreement with Oxford University of London.
“We are keen to provide water to each household in the state,” the minister said.
Excise minister Yogendra Prasad said excise revenue has grown significantly compared to previous years.
“Between 2001 and 2018 (during BJP rule), total revenue was Rs 8,124 crore, whereas under the current government it has risen to Rs 16,225 crore,” Prasad said.
The minister also highlighted that many Central funds for Jharkhand have not yet been fully released. Central taxes and grants, around Rs 13,000 crore is pending. Despite this, the state has achieved nearly 81% of its internal revenue collection target.
Regarding financial irregularities, Prasad noted that some funds from the Energy and Tourism departments were deposited in Canara Bank and Central Bank of India, with discrepancies exceeding Rs 50 crore. He warned that no new accounts will be opened until the missing funds are recovered.
Law and order issues were also discussed. The opposition raised the case of fugitive Dhanbad gangster Prince Khan. The government confirmed that a Red Corner Notice has been issued against him, and police are acting against his network. Steps to enhance security in jails, including the installation of 4G and 5G jammers, were also announced.
Later, the grant demands for the water resources department were passed by voice vote in the assembly.
Earlier, Health Minister Irfan Ansari informed the House on Saturday that the decision to award a six-month contract to Red Bird Airways for VIP and VVIP flights within the state has been put on hold.
He stated that the matter of awarding the contract had been discussed during a Cabinet meeting; however, following consultations with the Chief Minister, the proposal for Cabinet approval regarding the contract has been deferred.
He noted that seven people had lost their lives in an air ambulance crash in Chatra, describing the incident as deeply distressing.
“The government will provide compensation to all seven individuals who perished in the accident,” the minister said.
He further mentioned that he has requested an inquiry into the crash, which is currently being conducted by the DGCA.
BJP MLA Shashi Bhushan Mehta questioned the state government’s practice of leasing helicopters and aircraft from private agencies—a practice he argued places a heavy burden on the public exchequer—and asked whether the government intends to purchase its own helicopter or aircraft. He had also said that the same Red Bird Airways flight was involved in the air ambulance crash at Chatra. PTI ANB RG
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