Raipur, December 16 — Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao on Tuesday responded to questions related to the Jal Jeevan Mission and the statewide road repair programme during Question Hour in the Legislative Assembly, outlining progress updates, financial safeguards, and timelines for completion.
Jal Jeevan Mission: Status Update from Bilha
Replying to a question raised by MLA Dharamlal Kaushik regarding works under the Jal Jeevan Mission in the Bilha Assembly constituency, the Deputy Chief Minister informed the House that as of November 25, 2025, a total of 211 works across 199 villages have been sanctioned.
92 works have been completed
119 works are currently underway
No project remains unstarted
He added that payments amounting to ₹113.15 crore have already been released, while ₹3.16 crore remains pending.
Strict Payment Controls to Prevent Irregularities
Responding to a supplementary query, Mr. Sao clarified that contractors are paid strictly in proportion to the work completed and officially assessed by departmental engineers. He stressed that no full payment is released for incomplete works.
To ensure accountability, officials have been issued clear instructions that no contractor should receive more than 70 percent payment until the work is fully completed.
Action Taken on Alleged Fake Experience Certificate
Addressing another supplementary question, the Deputy Chief Minister said that 70 group water supply schemes have been approved across the state, of which 12 schemes were awarded through joint venture arrangements.
Following a complaint regarding a fake experience certificate submitted by a firm, M/s Vijay V. Salunkhe, the department sought verification from the Karad Municipal Council in Maharashtra, which confirmed that the certificate had not been issued by them.
Based on the recommendations of an Apex Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary, an FIR has been registered, and the matter is currently under investigation. Mr. Sao stated that strict action will be taken against all individuals found involved once the probe is completed.
Road Repairs: Accelerated Work Across the State
Replying to a question from MLA Harshita Swami Baghel on road repairs in the Dongargarh Assembly constituency, the Deputy Chief Minister and Public Works Minister said that 48 roads have been identified for repair in the area.
₹7.75 crore has been sanctioned
4 roads have already been repaired
39 roads are under active repair
5 roads are pending due to the tender process
He informed the House that officials have been instructed to complete all repair works by December, adding that road repair activities are progressing rapidly across the state.
