Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 02:
Reacting to the Sangai Express report in the February 2 edition, the Power Minister Phungzathang Tonsing described the news item as unfounded and clarified on the matter.
While categorically rejecting the news items of his alleged involvement in financial mismanagement as unfounded and 'appears politically motivated and intends for malign my political career', the Minister in statement affirmed that it is rather his commitment and single-minded approach to overall development of the State that major projects undertaken by the Power Department is being implemented with appreciable progress.
"It is a fact that Finance Department had released a sum of Rs 2147.59 lacs under normal Plan and Rs 93.70 lacs under SPA on Nov 30, 2007 for clearing liabilities for the year 2007-08 in respect of Power Department," said the Minister's statement.
With reference to the said funds, Phungzathang detailed that the Principal Secretary (Power) after receiving a proposal from the Chief Engineer (Power) on December 20, 2007 for Division wise sub-allocation, put up the file for his approval to which he consented four days later with a directive to the CE for necessary action.
Stating that with such adherence to prescribed norms there is no room for misappropriation of funds as was alleged, the Minister also denied his involvement in issuance of work order to any individual.
"Rather, I had done my best in terms of performance in any Department that I had headed," he maintained and recounted the Government of India conferring him with the 'Best Performance Award' in 1996 to drive home his point.
He also quoted address of the Governor Dr SS Sidhu in the Assembly that with the exception of fixing gates the Khuga Multipurpose Project is almost complete to underline his sincerity, competence and efficiency in handling and executing projects under the IFCD during his tenure.