Unpaid Jal Jeevan Mission 150 Contractors Threaten Mass Suicide Over Two-Year Payment Delay in Tripura
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, July 31, 2026
A major crisis has surfaced in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Tripura, with nearly 150 contractors from Sepahijala district threatening to commit mass suicide if the government fails to clear their long-pending dues. The contractors allege that despite completing a substantial portion of work under the Centre's flagship drinking water scheme, they have not received payments for almost two years, pushing many of them to the brink of financial ruin.
The contractors submitted a deputation to the Executive Engineer of the Drinking Water and Sanitation (DWS) Department, Suraj Das, demanding immediate release of their outstanding bills. They also appealed to Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha to intervene and ensure that the dues are cleared without further delay.
According to the aggrieved contractors, they undertook various works under the Jal Jeevan Mission, including pipeline laying, household tap connections and other infrastructure required to provide safe drinking water to rural households. While most of the physical work has already been completed, they claim that payments have remained pending due to a shortage of funds.
The contractors alleged that the prolonged delay has left them heavily indebted. Many had borrowed money from banks, private financiers and suppliers to execute the projects, expecting timely reimbursement from the government. With no payments forthcoming, several have reportedly exhausted their financial resources, are unable to repay loans, and are facing mounting pressure from creditors. They say some contractors are on the verge of bankruptcy, while others are struggling to support their families.
In their memorandum, the contractors warned that if the pending bills are not released within the next two months, preferably before the Durga Puja festival, they would have no option but to launch an intensified agitation. They stated that their protests could include road blockades, office gheraos and, in the worst-case scenario, mass suicide, holding the state government and the concerned department responsible for any untoward incident.
Executive Engineer Suraj Das reportedly acknowledged the contractors' concerns and informed them that around 68.5 percent of the district's Jal Jeevan Mission works have already been completed. He explained that the delay in releasing payments is primarily due to a shortage of funds and assured the contractors that the matter has been communicated to the higher authorities. He expressed hope that funds would be received soon, enabling the department to clear the pending bills.
The development has raised serious concerns over the financial health of contractors involved in one of India's flagship rural drinking water programmes. With the contractors warning of drastic action if the issue remains unresolved, pressure is mounting on the state government to expedite the release of funds and prevent the crisis from escalating further.
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