JJM Payment Dispute : Contractors Lock Amarpur DWS Office, Demand Clarity on Funds and High-Level Probe
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, September 22, 2026
A payment-related dispute involving contractors engaged in Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) works reportedly escalated at Amarpur in Gomati district, where members of the Amarpur DWS Contractors’ Association temporarily locked the office of the Drinking Water and Sanitation (DWS) Department, demanding clarity over funds received and pending payments.
According to reports in the media, the contractors alleged that payments for several completed or ongoing JJM-related works had remained pending for a considerable period. They reportedly sought details from the department regarding the amount of funds received by the Amarpur DWS division and the funds currently available for clearing contractors’ bills.
The contractors reportedly argued that the absence of clear information regarding fund releases and the payment schedule had created uncertainty among agencies executing drinking-water projects. In protest, they locked the DWS office for around an hour.
The situation was subsequently brought under control following discussions between the contractors and the concerned DWS Sub-Divisional Officer. The office was later opened and normal functioning resumed.
The Amarpur DWS division is currently handling a number of water-supply works under JJM. Government tender records show that the division has continued to issue tenders for JJM-related works during 2026, including schemes involving rural water-supply improvement and infrastructure development.
The latest incident has, however, brought renewed attention to questions surrounding the financial management, execution and monitoring of JJM projects in Tripura. Contractors affected by delayed payments are now demanding greater transparency over the flow of funds and have reportedly called for a high-level inquiry into the implementation of JJM water-supply projects in the state.
The demand comes amid continuing allegations from opposition parties regarding irregularities in the implementation of drinking-water schemes. In July 2026, the Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee submitted a memorandum to the DWS authorities alleging corruption.
There is also documented evidence that the Centre has received reports of financial and quality-related enforcement action concerning JJM works in Tripura. According to a Ministry of Jal Shakti statement released through the Press Information Bureau in December 2025, Tripura reported Rs.1,22,96,739 in penalties/recoveries imposed and recovered, along with Rs.7,09,903 recovered as liquidated damages and Rs.2,83,065 through forfeiture of EMD/FDR in connection with JJM-related irregularities and poor-quality works.
These figures indicate that enforcement and recovery measures have occurred, which establish that corruption was present in some JJM projects across Tripura. The Ministry has directed states to examine complaints, conduct field verification and take appropriate administrative, contractual and legal action wherever violations are established.
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