Bengaluru, November 29, 2025: The Karnataka government has urged the Union Jal Shakti Ministry to release pending central funds under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) to avoid delays in implementing rural drinking water projects.

In a letter to Union Minister C R Patil, Karnataka’s Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, and IT/BT, Priyank Kharge, highlighted that the state has been actively supporting JJM through substantial budget allocations and timely releases. The state has already allocated ₹11,050 crore in the current financial year (2025–26) to ensure uninterrupted progress.

Progress Under the Jal Jeevan Mission

According to Kharge, Karnataka has made significant strides in providing safe drinking water under JJM, achieving connections to over 86% of rural households. Multi-village and single-village schemes are at various stages of completion, reflecting both physical and financial progress during the 2023–24, 2024–25, and 2025–26 fiscal years.

Since the inception of the mission, the state has incurred ₹35,698.58 crore in expenditure against an approved cost of ₹69,487.60 crore. Of this, the state share is ₹24,598.45 crore, while the central share accounts for ₹11,786.63 crore, highlighting a significant shortfall in central contributions. Kharge noted that while the state has already released ₹1,500 crore in the current fiscal year, central releases have not yet been made.

Concerns Over Delays

The minister cautioned that further delays in the release of central funds could jeopardize the ongoing works. Some contractors have reportedly begun demobilisation and downsizing manpower, seriously affecting the pace of work. Pending payments include ₹1,700 crore in bills awaiting clearance, with another ₹2,600 crore in the pipeline.

“The scheme requires sustained support from the Government of India for effective implementation, including timely release of central grants,” Kharge wrote, urging expeditious disbursal of funds to avoid stalling projects and to ensure rural households continue to gain access to safe drinking water.

The Karnataka government emphasized that its proactive funding measures aim to mitigate potential delays, but timely central assistance remains critical to maintain momentum. Kharge concluded by seeking the continued cooperation of the central government to facilitate the mission’s objectives across the state.

---