1. Free Current Affairs Total (CAT) Monthly Magazine

2. Register for Upcoming Batch on 09-06-2025 Last 3 Seats

7900-44-7900

ensureias@gmail.com

CAG Conducts First Audit of Jal Jeevan Mission

CAG Conducts First Audit of Jal Jeevan Mission

07-06-2025
  1. Recently, The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is currently carrying out a detailed audit of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
  2. JJM is the government's program to provide tap water to all rural homes.
  3. Reports from this audit are expected soon.

About the CAG Audit of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

What is it?

It's an extensive performance audit of the Jal Jeevan Mission.

When did it start?

The process began about one and a half years ago after the CAG included it in its audit plan.

Period Covered

The audit looks at how JJM was implemented in states from the financial year 2019-20 to 2023-24.

Scope

It's a "horizontal audit," meaning it's being done across all states by CAG's local offices (Principal Accountant Generals/Accountants General).

Status

Fieldwork is mostly done, and in some states, reports are being written. Reports from two states have already reached the CAG headquarters.

Next Step

Once finalized, the reports will be presented in the Legislative Assembly of the respective states.

Focus

The audit is at the state level (not national) because states lead the JJM's implementation. It covers all aspects of JJM, including planning, money spent, and reasons for cost increases.

Why Audit Now After 5 Years?

  1. Expenditure Level: According to sources, the CAG usually picks a scheme for audit after 70-80% of its budget has been spent.
  2. JJM's Growth: The JJM started in 2019-20. In its early years, less money was spent.
  3. The CAG chose to audit it after the first phase ended in 2023-24, when spending had significantly increased.
  4. First Major Audit: This is the first big audit of the JJM since it began in 2019.
  5. The last similar audit was for the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) in 2018 (which JJM replaced).

Related Concerns and Other Audits

  1. The Jal Jeevan Mission's estimated cost has more than doubled from its original plan of Rs 3.6 lakh crore to about Rs 8.29 lakh crore.
    • The Jal Shakti Ministry (which runs JJM) asked for Rs 2.79 lakh crore in extra central funds, but only Rs 1.51 lakh crore was approved by the Expenditure Finance Committee (46% less than requested).
    • A report stated that a change in tender rules three years ago removed checks on spending, leading to cost increases of Rs 16,839 crore for 14,586 schemes.
  2. Other CAG Audits: Besides JJM, the CAG is also conducting similar audits for other central schemes like:
    • MGNREGS (reports also expected soon; last audited nationwide in 2013).
    • Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan.
    • Welfare of Building and other Construction Workers.
    • Green India Mission.
    • Smart City Mission.

About Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM):

The Union Budget 2025-26 has extended the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) until 2028, with a stronger focus on improving infrastructure quality and ensuring sustainable water supply through community involvement, known as "Jan Bhagidhari."

About Jal Jeevan Mission

  1. Launch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched JJM on August 15, 2019 by restructuring and subsuming the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP).
  2. Initial Goal: To provide tap water supply to every rural household by 2024, targeting 55 liters per person per day (lpcd).
  3. Nodal Ministry: Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
  4. Funding pattern: Centrally Sponsored Scheme (Centre and State)
    • 90:10 for Himalayan and North-Eastern States.
    • 100% for UTs.
    • 50:50 for the rest of the States.

About the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG):

1. Constitutional Office: The Indian Constitution provides for an independent office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in Chapter V under Part V.

2. Articles: The CAG is mentioned in the Constitution under Articles 148 – 151.

3. Head of Audit: He is the head of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department.

4. Guardian of Public Funds: The CAG is considered the guardian of the public purse.

5. He controls the entire financial system of the country at both the Central and State levels.

6. Duty: His main duty is to uphold the Constitution of India and the laws of Parliament in how money is managed by the government.

Appointment and Term:

1. Appointment: The CAG is appointed by the President of India through an official order (warrant under his hand and seal).

2. Term: He holds office for a period of 6 years or until he reaches the age of 65 years, whichever comes first.

Duties of the CAG

1. All spending from the Consolidated Fund of India, and the Consolidated Fund of each state and Union Territory (UT) that has a legislative assembly.

2. All spending from the Contingency Fund of India and the Public Account of India, as well as the Contingency Fund and Public Account of each state.

3. All trading, manufacturing, profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, and other accounts kept by any department of the Central Government and the state governments.

4. The income (receipts) and spending (expenditure) of all organizations and bodies that receive substantial funding from the Central or State governments, government companies, and other corporations/bodies when required by law.

5. He also determines and certifies the exact amount of any tax or duty collected, and his certificate is final.

ENSURE IAS Prelims MCQ:

Q: Consider the following statements about the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM):

  1. JJM aims to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) to every rural household by 2024.
  2. The funding pattern under JJM is 70:30 for Himalayan and North-Eastern states, 100% for Union Territories, and 50:50 for other states.
  3. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is the nodal ministry implementing JJM.
  4. JJM also includes provisions for greywater management and water quality monitoring.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
 A 1 and 2 only
 B 1 and 4 only
 C 2 and 3 only
 D All of the above

Answer: B)

ENSURE IAS Mains Question:

Q: “The recent performance audit of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) highlights the importance of financial transparency and accountability in flagship government schemes.” Discuss the significance of such audits in improving the implementation of large-scale welfare programs like JJM. How do constitutional provisions ensure the independence and effectiveness of the CAG in performing its duties? (250 WORDS)

Delays And Problems Are Hurting Ayushman Bharat In Jharkhand

CAG Conducts First Audit of Jal Jeevan Mission

RBI Cuts Repo Rates by 50 bps: Monetary Policy Move