SENAPATI, October 26: A discussion on the alleged Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam in Senapati district was hosted and organized by the Times of Senapati on Saturday at the DRDA Conference Hall, Senapati. The alleged scam has sparked widespread public concern over corruption and discrepancies in the implementation of the flagship central government project. The event led by Youth Rise for Change, a youth-led movement against corruption, witnessed a packed audience and featured a panel of esteemed speakers.

The talk show began with a presentation by social activist R.K. Paul Chawang, who highlighted large-scale manipulation and mismatches in the project’s reported achievements regarding Functional Tap Water Connection to Every Household when compared with the ground reality. Presenting factual data along with photographic evidence, Chawang revealed a stark contrast between the project’s claimed achievements on the eJal Shakti portal and the actual situation on the ground. He further alleged that even the household beneficiaries list had been manipulated.

The talk show was hosted by Vincent Pou, Senior Editor-cum-V&A Trainer at Times of Senapati, and co-hosted by Karaiba Moses. The panelists for the discussion included R.K. Paul Chawang, social activist; Kh. Siile Anthony, former Director (HRD), NEC; Gaijinlung Thaimei, Executive Engineer (EE), PHED, Senapati; and Salew Lohrii Mao, former Executive Engineer (EE), PHED, Senapati.

In his remarks, Kh. Siile Anthony gave a brief introduction on corruption, asserting that it exists in every sphere of society. He said that the major root causes of corruption are greed, selfishness, and poverty among human beings. Stressing the need for systemic change, he remarked, “Until and unless you change the system of corruption, you cannot change.”

Gaijinlung Thaimei, Executive Engineer (EE), PHED, acknowledged discrepancies in the project, particularly in Senapati district. He also assured that the issues would be addressed by November 2025 or, at the latest, within this year. Meanwhile, Salew Lohrii Mao, former Executive Engineer (EE), PHED, emphasized the need for collective effort in resolving the issue.

However, the audience raised several concerns and questions about the project’s implementation, including allegations of merging data from previous projects with current JJM figures.

During the session, R.K. Paul Chawang demanded that PHED Senapati to provide audited statements, utilization certificates, bills, and vouchers for both JJM and NDB projects. He asserted that since both are new flagship programmes, their data cannot be merged with older projects unless verified through proper documentation.

The event ended with a mass pledge against corruption, marking a significant public stand for transparency and integrity in governance within Senapati district.