Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi today criticised both the Central government and the Assam government over what he described as serious failures in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Assam. He made the remarks while joining a protest organised by the Majuli District Congress Committee and several local residents in Majuli. The protestors alleged irregularities, delays, and misuse of funds under the centrally sponsored scheme that promised safe drinking water to rural households.
Local residents said that although pipelines were laid and water systems were installed in many villages, water supply never began. Villagers complained that the infrastructure remained incomplete or non-functional even years after installation. As a result, people continue to depend on pond water and nearby water bodies for drinking and cooking. Several residents claimed that consumption of unsafe water has led to illnesses in their communities, and the situation has led to growing frustration.
Protestors said the government had failed to show transparency in spending and questioned why public funds did not translate into reliable water supply on the ground. They demanded an inquiry and accountability from both the state and the Centre. Gogoi echoed these concerns during his address, saying pipelines without water symbolised broken promises and poor governance. 
The protest coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Assam. Gogoi said that high-profile visits and announcements often attract public attention, but the problems of ordinary citizens remain unattended. He said the government’s record over the past several years showed lapses, and that institutions and policies needed better planning and implementation. “The Modi government’s report card shows numerous promises left unfulfilled,” he said.
Gogoi also referred to the closure of paper mills despite the state’s natural resources and noted that workers in these mills were left without proper support. He also raised the issue of the Namrup second unit closure in 2020 and delays in starting the fourth unit. According to him, assurances given to the people had been postponed repeatedly.
On cooperative institutions and public enterprises, Gogoi said that several bodies, including AGMC, had not functioned effectively and that the privatisation of eight of the 15 tea gardens under the Assam Tea Corporation had not improved outcomes. He alleged that decisions had caused long-term setbacks for workers and the agriculture sector.
