Jaipur News: Bhajan Lal Government's Move to Privatize Water Department Sparks Major Outrage in Jaipur
A significant development has emerged from the capital city of Jaipur, with the Rajasthan government led by Bhajan Lal considering the privatization of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED). The state government is planning to hand over the water supply services to private companies. To facilitate this, the government is looking to reconstitute the Rajasthan Water Supply and Sewerage Corporation (RWSSC). Post reconstitution, private companies will manage the water supply through RWSSC.
This decision has met with strong opposition. Engineers and employees across the state have gone on mass leave, potentially disrupting water supply in the coming days. As a result, all activities within the water supply department came to a halt today.
Chief Engineers' Lack of Support?
PHED has been transformed into the Water Supply and Sewerage Corporation to secure loans for various projects, including the Jal Jeevan Mission. The department was unable to obtain loans, prompting the decision to create the corporation under the 1979 Act. Following the establishment of the corporation, the government secured a loan of ₹1577 crore from HUDCO for the Jal Jeevan Mission. However, the employees fear that their rights might be at risk due to this transformation.
Minister's Silence
The privatization decision is expected to result in higher water rates. Offices of the water supply department across the state were empty, with engineers not reporting to their desks. Despite the department being on leave in protest of privatization, Water Supply Minister Kanhaiya Lal Chaudhary has remained silent on the issue.
A private news channel had sent written questions to Minister Kanhaiya Lal Chaudhary, asking whether the engineers would be called for talks during the leave, whether the corporation decision would be reversed amid the engineers' protest, and whether the corporation was formed solely to secure loans. The questions also addressed the impact on engineers and employees. However, the minister has not responded.
Protest at CM Residence on the 29th
Engineers and employees on mass leave have stated that if the government does not reverse the privatization decision by July 28, they will march to the Assembly or the Chief Minister's residence on the 29th. They have also warned that if the government still does not relent, they might decide on further action regarding water supply.
Severe Water Shortage in Rajasthan
The water supply system in Rajasthan is currently very weak. Many areas face water shortages not only in summer but also in winter. In rural areas of western Rajasthan, villages and hamlets are miles apart. In several cities and towns, water supply occurs only once every five to seven days. In Pali, for instance, water trains are run during the summer to meet the demand.
Frequent Disputes Over Water
Protests and unrest over water supply are common in the state. Due to insufficient rainfall, reservoirs and other water bodies do not fill up completely. The water supply department provides water through hundreds of tankers daily. In some areas, women still walk long distances carrying pots of water on their heads. Recently, Water Supply Minister Kanhaiya Lal Chaudhary stated, "I am not Hanuman that I can bring water with a puff of breath," highlighting the dire situation.
