State PWD acts in its own discretion
Funds For Repair Of Haobam Marak Road Misutilised
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, December 14 2014:
Funds for repairing of roads and construction of culverts under the Special Plan Assistance (SPA) for Keishamthong Assembly Constituency have been allegedly diverted by the officials of State public Works department.
Informing this to Hueiyen Lanpao Daily, a source revealed that a sum of Rs 92 lakhs was sanctioned under the SPA for repairing of roads and construction of culverts in Keishamthong Assembly Constituency during the financial year 2011-2012.However, as the amount could not be utilized during the stipulated year, it was deposited to the account of PWD (South Division) MH 8443 .
The funds meant for repairing of roads at Pishum Ningom Leirak, Top Leirak and its adjoining approach roads, Jailer Leirak, Manisana Road, Leimajam Leikai Awang road and Haobam Marak Ngangom Leikai, along with construction of two culverts have been withdrawn before completion of the works, added the source.
Even after four years of the sanction, road at Haobam Marak Ngangam Leikai still remains unrepaired and one of the two proposed culverts has not been constructed yet.
The funds, however, have been withdrawn in two parts, alleged the source.
Out of the sanctioned amount of Rs 92 lakhs, a sum of Rs 46,01,640 was withdrawn on March 26 in 2013, while another same amount was encashed on March 19 this year.
On being enquired, officials of Public Works Department evaded the queries saying the funds have been utilized in repairing of some other roads.
Besides Diversion of SPA funds to some other works amounts to grabbing the rights of the local people for which the amount was earmarked.
Moreover, it may also be termed as financial mismanagement.
The local people of the area demanded the State Vigilance Department to initiate an enquiry into the lapses and take action against the erring officials.