MP dept orders probe against own minister over Jal Jeevan funds
Bhopal, July 1, 2025 — The Jal Jeevan scam in Madhya Pradesh has sent shockwaves across the political landscape. This controversy intensified after the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department launched an investigation into serious allegations against its own minister. At the center of the storm is tribal welfare minister Sampatiya Uike, who is accused of misappropriating funds meant for rural drinking water schemes.
The Beginning of the Storm
On April 12, 2025, former MLA Kishore Samrite submitted a written complaint to the authorities. He alleged that a staggering ₹3,000 crore had been siphoned off from the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), a flagship initiative aimed at providing tap water to every rural household. According to Samrite, Minister Uike accepted a ₹1,000 crore commission, while former Chief Engineer B.K. Sonagariya diverted ₹2,000 crore with the help of his accountant.
Moreover, the complaint highlights that many work completion certificates were falsified. Several projects, it claims, existed only on paper and were never executed in reality.
Department Orders Action Swiftly
In a move that raised eyebrows, the PHE Department responded within weeks. On June 30, 2025, Chief Engineer Sanjay Andhavan issued a circular. He instructed all district-level engineers and project officers to submit reports on completed and ongoing projects within seven days. By doing so, the department aimed to demonstrate transparency and administrative responsiveness.
Notably, this was the first instance in recent memory where a department opened an internal probe against a sitting cabinet minister. Consequently, the decision attracted widespread media attention and public scrutiny.
Department Denies Wrongdoing
Shortly after the order, the department issued a press release. It stated that the allegations were baseless and lacked documentary evidence. Officials claimed that most of the projects flagged in the complaint were either completed or nearing completion.
However, critics were far from convinced. They argued that a department investigating its own top leadership created an obvious conflict of interest. In response, several civil society groups called for an independent probe.
Whistleblower Demands CBI Investigation
Kishore Samrite was not satisfied with the department’s explanation. While speaking to the media in Bhopal, he declared that he would move the High Court to demand a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry. “The same officials who are under suspicion cannot be trusted to conduct a fair investigation,” he asserted.
Furthermore, Samrite claimed that the internal review covered only a few districts. According to him, dozens of other locations where projects were allegedly manipulated remain unchecked.
Political Reactions Intensify
Unsurprisingly, the issue has triggered a strong reaction from the opposition. Senior Congress leader Kamal Nath criticized the BJP-led state government for failing to uphold transparency. He remarked, “Even funds meant for clean water are being looted. This is a betrayal of the poorest sections of society.”
At the same time, BJP insiders revealed that the party is closely monitoring the developments. If public pressure continues to mount, there could be a reshuffle in the state cabinet to limit the damage.
Jal Jeevan Mission: A Brief Overview
The Jal Jeevan Mission, launched by the central government in 2019, is one of India’s most ambitious rural welfare schemes. Its primary objective is to provide functional tap water connections to every rural household by 2024.
Madhya Pradesh alone received over ₹30,000 crore in funding for the scheme. While progress reports indicate success in some areas, implementation gaps and oversight failures have emerged in others. Unfortunately, this scandal could further erode public trust in the mission.
Citizens and Experts Speak Out
Public sentiment on the matter remains strong. Many citizens, particularly in rural areas, feel betrayed. “We were promised clean water, but even that promise has been looted,” said Asha Bai, a resident of a village in Balaghat district.
In addition, experts have voiced concerns. Governance analyst Ajay Shrivastava noted, “This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about denying basic rights to those who need them most.”
Water rights activist Richa Tiwari also chimed in. She stressed that “a fair and independent probe is the only way to restore faith in public welfare schemes.”
What Lies Ahead?
All eyes are now on the departmental report, which is expected to be submitted in the coming week. If the report fails to satisfy public and legal standards, the government may have to order a wider probe.
Meanwhile, Samrite is preparing to approach the judiciary. He insists that only a CBI-led investigation can bring out the truth. Additionally, public interest litigation may follow if there is no state-level response.
Given the scale of the alleged scam, the issue is unlikely to fade soon. It could very well become a key talking point in upcoming local elections.
Final Thoughts
The Jal Jeevan scam in Madhya Pradesh is not just about corruption. It’s about lost opportunities, shattered trust, and the need for systemic reform. As political pressure rises and whistleblowers step forward, the state government faces a critical test. Whether it chooses transparency or damage control will define the public’s perception in the days ahead.d or CBI-led probe will grow louder. Samrite’s legal petition may become a turning point in this case.
