Thousands of workers employed under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) staged a powerful protest at Hengrabari in Guwahati on Thursday, voicing their growing frustration over unfulfilled promises, denied rights, and lack of job regularization. demonstration was centered around headquarters of Public Health Department, where protesters demanded government address their longstanding grievances. Police forces were deployed to maintain order during event.
Major Details in Tabular Format
| Key Aspect | Details |
| Event | Protest by Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) workers |
| Location | Hengrabari, Guwahati |
| Date | Thursday, January 9, 2025 |
| Participants | Over 13,000 Jal Mitras from various districts of Assam |
| Key Demand | Job regularization, fair treatment, and timely payments |
| Accusations | Allegations of corruption and misappropriation of funds within Jal Jeevan Mission |
| Prominent Official Criticized | Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah |
| Organizers | PHE Workers’ Union |
| Key Stakeholders | Jal Mitras, Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department, Assam Government |
Protest Highlights and Worker Sentiments
workers, who play a crucial role in providing access to safe drinking water in rural Assam, raised their voices against failure of government promises. Despite their integral role in Jal Jeevan Mission, workers feel marginalized and neglected.
One protestor passionately stated, “Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah had promised that Chief Minister would make a significant announcement for all Jal Mitra employees on January 1. Yet, we’ve seen no action, only schemes for other departments. It’s clear we are being used as a political tool.”
Another worker criticized lack of recognition, saying, “We are backbone of water supply system, yet we are treated as expendable. Without us, rural areas wouldn’t have functioning tap water connections.”
Bureaucratic Struggles
protest also shed light on bureaucratic challenges faced by these workers. They complained about being caught in a vicious cycle of being redirected between various departments without any meaningful resolution. One protester explained, “When we approach Panchayat office, we are told to talk to Users Committee. When we go there, we’re sent back. Our concerns are being ignored systematically.”
Accusations of Corruption
In addition to their grievances, workers alleged corruption within mission. Funds meant for their welfare are reportedly being misappropriated by higher officials. A worker shared, “Some of us have worked for over ten years without proper payment. Meanwhile, there are cases of officials exploiting these funds. system is broken.”
Core Issues Highlighted by Workers
- Unfulfilled Promises
Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah assured significant announcements for Jal Mitras on New Year’s Day. However, no such promises were fulfilled, leaving workers frustrated. - Lack of Recognition
Despite being essential in success of Jal Jeevan Mission, workers feel invisible to government. - Demand for Job Regularization
Jal Mitras, who are temporary employees, have long demanded permanent status, which has yet to be addressed. - Delayed Payments
Many workers reported that they haven’t received timely payments for their labor. - Corruption Allegations
Workers accused officials of misusing welfare funds, leaving frontline employees in financial distress.
Role of Jal Mitras in Jal Jeevan Mission
Jal Jeevan Mission was launched with ambitious goal of providing safe and sustainable drinking water to every rural household in India. In Assam, Jal Mitras are at forefront of this initiative, ensuring tap water connections and maintaining water supply infrastructure. With over 13,000 Jal Mitras employed under program, their role is indispensable. However, their temporary employment status has left them vulnerable to exploitation and neglect.
Growing Resentment Among Workers
mounting dissatisfaction among Jal Mitras is a reflection of deeper systemic issues within mission. Their demands for timely payments, job security, and better working conditions have been consistently overlooked. current protest, organized in collaboration with PHE Workers’ Union, is just one in a series of actions taken by workers to push for their rights.
A protester summarized sentiment, stating, “How can government expect us to ensure success of such a large-scale mission when they don’t value us as workers? We are committed to our jobs, but system must change.”
Government’s Response
state government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has yet to respond to latest protests. Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, who was singled out during demonstration, faces growing pressure to address these grievances. protesters have made it clear that they will not back down until their demands are met.
Broader Implications for Jal Jeevan Mission
protests in Guwahati underline a critical issue that could impact success of Jal Jeevan Mission across India. If grievances of frontline workers like Jal Mitras are not addressed, broader objectives of mission could be jeopardized.
Efforts to provide universal access to safe drinking water hinge on dedication and morale of workers. Neglecting their welfare could lead to disruptions in water supply services, undermining mission’s goals.
Way Forward
To resolve situation, state government must prioritize following actions:
- Address Worker Demands
government must ensure timely payments and commit to a roadmap for regularizing Jal Mitra positions. - Investigate Corruption Allegations
An independent inquiry into alleged misappropriation of funds is necessary to restore trust in system. - Enhance Communication
Establishing a transparent mechanism for addressing worker grievances will help reduce disconnect between employees and officials. - Recognize Worker Contributions
Acknowledging essential role of Jal Mitras in Jal Jeevan Mission could boost morale and foster a more committed workforce.
Conclusion
protests by Jal Mitras in Guwahati serve as a wake-up call for state government. With thousands of workers on frontlines of Jal Jeevan Mission, addressing their concerns is not just a matter of justice but a necessity for success of program. As demonstrations continue, spotlight remains on Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah and Assam government to take decisive action and honor their promises.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information available as of January 9, 2025, and aims to provide a factual account of protests by Jal Jeevan Mission workers in Guwahati. views expressed by protesters are their own and do not reflect stance of publication. Any developments after mentioned date are not included in this report. Readers are advised to verify details from official government communications for further updates.
