Assam: Jal Jeevan Mission Workers Stage Protest in Guwahati Over Unfulfilled Promises

GUWAHATI: Thousands of workers employed under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) staged a powerful protest at Hengrabari in Guwahati on Thursday, voicing their growing frustration over unfulfilled promises, denied rights, and the lack of job regularization.

The demonstration saw workers, known as Jal Mitras, surrounding the headquarters of the Public Health Department, prompting authorities to deploy police forces to maintain order.

One of the protestors revealed the depth of their frustration, saying, “Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah had promised that the Chief Minister would make a significant announcement for all Jal Mitra employees on January 1. But since the New Year, several schemes have been introduced for other departments, with no mention of us. It feels like these promises were made just to placate us temporarily. A state cannot function on unfulfilled promises.”

The protest also brought to light allegations of corruption within the Jal Jeevan Mission, with workers accusing higher officials of misappropriating funds meant for their welfare.

Jal Mitras, the temporary employees of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department, have long been demanding better working conditions, recognition, and job regularization. This protest, organized in collaboration with the PHE Workers' Union, marks the latest in a series of demonstrations expressing the workers’ deep dissatisfaction with the government’s response to their concerns.

As the protests continue, the pressure is mounting on Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah and the state government to address the workers’ grievances.

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