Cancellation of approved works : Cong MLAs seek explanation
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 28 2022:
Opposition MLAs K Ranjit and K Meghachandra today sought explanation from the Government for cancellation of works which could not be executed even though they were granted administrative approval and listed in the work programmes of 2020-21 and 2021-22.In the course of discussing demand no 8 which pertains to PWD, K Ranjit pointed out that administrative approval was granted for PWD's work programmes of 2020-21 and 2021-22 .
Even though contractors were asked to deposit bank guarantee amounts on the ground of executing the works without undue delay, the works were never executed, said Ranjit and went to ask when the work programmes would be executed.
K Meghachandra said that there is visible lack of coordination between PWD and PHED regarding laying of underground water pipes at a time when the road from Tangjeng to Thoubal Bazar is being constructed as a part of Asian Highway.
He urged the Minister concerned to look into why the PWD's work programmes of the two last financial years have not been implemented.
As announced by the Government, MLAs told the people of their respective Assembly segments that roads would be constructed/repaired.
But no roads have been constructed and even the work programme was cancelled.
Categorically asserting that the fault lies with the Government, not with MLAs, Meghachandra urged the Government to come out with a convincing explanation for cancelling the work programmes.
A total of 669 works listed under the major head 5054 which amounted to Rs 562,44,00000.76 were cancelled.
Other works amounting to Rs 106.23 crore which were listed under another major head (3054) were also cancelled, he said.
Saying that contractor had already made bank guarantee and other necessary deposits for these works, Meghachandra asserted that the department committed a big mistake by cancelling these works.
Had these works not been cancelled, people would not have called bandhs in protest against pathetic roads, the Opposition MLA rued.
Asking when the liabilities of works executed in different Assembly segments two years back would be released, Meghachandra questioned as to why Rs 40/50 crore were released in the account of one Vikram.
He went on to ask if all the 60 Assembly segments have their accounts with HVS.
The Congress MLA further asked why Rs 30 crore went to the account of HVS out of Rs 40 crore released by the Government.