‘Time for truth, not cover-ups’: Tanvir Sadiq urges public to report irregularities in alleged Jal Jeevan Mission scam

July 7, 2025 by News Desk

Jammu Kashmir National Conference leader and MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, has appealed to the public to come forward with information regarding alleged large-scale irregularities in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Jammu Kashmir.

“The time for silence is over. This is an opportunity for the people of Jammu Kashmir to come forward and speak the truth. We owe it to future generations to ensure accountability and transparency,” Sadiq said, referring to the ongoing investigation into what has been described as one of the biggest public infrastructure scandals in the region.

Following mounting concerns from legislators across party lines, the Jammu Kashmir Legislative Assembly has constituted a House Committee to investigate serious allegations of corruption, including the use of substandard materials, incomplete works, and large-scale misuse of funds under the Jal Shakti scheme.

In a significant move, the committee has invited members of the public, whistleblowers, and stakeholders to submit information, documents, or complaints that could help uncover the extent of the wrongdoing.

“Complaints can be emailed to [jjmhcprobejkla@gmail.com and jjmhcprobejkla@gmail.com) or sent by post to Chairman, House Committee-JJM, J\&K Legislative Assembly Secretariat, Srinagar, within 15 days of this notice,” MLA Zadibal said.

Individuals can also reach out directly to any member of the House Committee to report misconduct or violations.

The scandal came to light after senior IAS officer Ashok Kumar Parmar, then heading the Jal Shakti Department, blew the whistle on alleged irregularities in the ₹13,000 crore project.

Parmar alleged that contracts were awarded without proper tendering, pipes were procured without administrative sanction, and large payments were made for incomplete or substandard work.

He accused top bureaucrats, including former Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Mehta, of being part of a “criminal conspiracy.”

Parmar’s complaints, first raised in mid-2023, prompted widespread political outcry and led to the formation of the House Committee earlier this year. Investigations are currently underway, with the Anti-Corruption Bureau and Enforcement Directorate also looking into specific procurement deals.

Sadiq called the probe a test case for governance in Jammu Kashmir.

“People have a right to know where public money is going. The Jal Jeevan Mission was meant to ensure clean drinking water for every household—if even that was compromised, what hope is left?” he asked.

The House Committee has assured confidentiality and protection for whistleblowers, emphasizing that the goal is not political vendetta but genuine accountability.

As the probe widens, political observers say public participation could determine the scope and depth of justice in the case.