Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 15:
On the charges of issuing cheques in bulk to some contractors in connivance with an underground outfit, the State Government is taking up strong action against Executive Engineer Ng Manglemjao of PWD Senapati Division.
To a query raised by reporters on the matter, Minister of Works Department Govindas Konthoujam disclosed that a Departmental inquiry would be instituted soon while saying that he had definite reports that the EE was forced to issue the cheques in bulk in the interest of some contractors by one UG group.
Out of Rs 45 crores released by the State Government to the State PWD before the Ningol Chakkouba festival for non-plan works like road development works, bridges, building construction etc, PWD Senapati Division received Rs 1.96 crores.
This amount was handed over to the Division on October 30 but its EE Manglemjao of Sawom-bung issued cheques on November 6 to a few contractors due to strong pressure exerted by the outfit.
The Works Minister flayed the failure of the Executive Engineer to immediately inform the matter to the higher authority concerned even though he was forced to issue the cheques under duress.
Saying that the matter was reported only yesterday, Govindas construed that the cheques were issued to the select contractors by the EE in connivance with the particular UG group.
Even as the allocated amount was supposed to be distributed among all the deserving contractors, the issuance of cheques in bulk only to a few have infuriated the other contractors.
Meanwhile, taking strong exception to the impartial treatment of the EE, Power Minister Francis Ngajokpa who hailed from the district has written to the Works Minister to take up befitting actions against the errant official, informed a source.
It also observed that the concerned EE had not followed the standing instruction of the State Government to issue cheques only inside the PWD Hqs complex.
The instruction was specifically issued keeping in view of the prevailing law and order situation in the State.
It is reported that Govindas Konthoujam has instructed to undertake Departmental enquiry against EE Ng Manglemjao and cashier Shibo.
The Minister has also assured of befitting actions against the officials if they are confirmed guilty.
It may be mentioned here that till May this year, the State PWD owed Rs 136 crores to contractors as their liabilities, out of which just Rs 45 crores were released before the Ningol Chakkouba festival.