Bihar Assembly Budget Session: Minister and MLA Clash Over Nal-Jal Scheme

Patna: During the Bihar Assembly’s budget session on Thursday, a disagreement erupted between Health Engineering Minister Sanjay Kumar Singh and his own party MLA, Murari Prasad Gautam, over questions related to the Nal-Jal (tap water) scheme. The incident sparked commotion among opposition members, prompting the Speaker to advise that a zero-hour notice could be submitted on the matter and called for maintaining order in the House.

MLA Dissatisfied With Minister’s Response

Murari Prasad Gautam, the LJP (Ram Vilas) MLA from Chenari, raised concerns regarding the status of the Nal-Jal scheme in his constituency. Sanjay Kumar Singh, LJP (Ram Vilas) MLA from Mahua and the Minister of Public Health Engineering, responded on behalf of the department. However, Gautam expressed dissatisfaction, stating, “Sir, while I have received an answer from the department, it is incorrect and misleading. The ground reality is entirely different. The situation of tap water supply here is alarming.”

No Tap Water Supply in Telkap Panchayat, Chenari

Gautam explained that the villages under Telkap Panchayat, formerly home to a PPCL fertilizer plant, still suffer from contaminated water. “Not a single village in Telkap Panchayat has access to tap water till today. The officials do not take departmental orders seriously. Will the government take action against such negligent officers?”

In response, Minister Sanjay Kumar Singh stated, “I am speaking in the House for the first time today,” and introduced himself. He added that the affected areas face high fluoride levels in water, which is being treated to provide safe drinking water. Tap water supply under the Nal-Jal scheme is underway, and departmental officials are working on the issue following the MLA’s notification. According to the Minister, there is no shortage of drinking water in the area.

MLA Submits Photo Evidence

Despite the minister’s reply, Gautam remained unconvinced and presented photographs to the Speaker as evidence that Telkap Panchayat still lacks tap water supply. He further highlighted that the water pump installed for supply has not been operational. “The same problem persists in Tilokhar Panchayat. There is no proper drinking water facility anywhere,” he stated. The Minister questioned whether the documents showed actual water flow.

Opposition Raises a Commotion

While Gautam was presenting his case, JD(U) MLA Vinay Kumar Chaudhary from Benipur supported him, stating that the Nal-Jal scheme is a good initiative but officials are not taking it seriously. “In Bahedi, tap water supply has been suspended for over a month despite multiple reminders,” he added.

Opposition members then raised a ruckus, arguing that the issue affects the entire state and the government should provide a comprehensive response. The Speaker advised the members to submit a zero-hour notice on the matter and maintain decorum.