Guidelines flouted in construction of roads under PMGSY: TPF
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, January 21 2015: Tamenglong Public Forum (TPF) has alleged that there was not a "single" road or Inter-Village Road (IVR) constructed following the prescribed standard under CPWD guidelines under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yozana (PMGSY) in the hills areas particularly Tamenglong district.

In a press note, TPF Advisor K Abonmai while alleging misuse of crores of rupees sanctioned by the Government of India for the construction of roads under the scheme, said that as a result of flouting the prescribed guidelines, many roads remained "non-motorable" particularly during rainy season.

Abonbai pointed out that as per CPWD guidelines, bidding of tender for award of work to agencies may be submitted up-to 5% below the schedule rate.

He however alleged that the MSRRDA Chief Engineer and other officials of the department had "violated the CPWD" scheduled rate and norms.

This he said had impacted on the construction works making the roads "sub-standard" .

The TPF Advisor further said that after accepting the tender bidding below 20% to 30% , the work agency could not execute some of the works due to anticipated loss.

Due to the anomalies and irregularities, road works awarded in 2013 for Tamenglong district were either incomplete or were yet to begin, said Abonmai.

He said that some of the works which has been awarded to agencies but unable to execute so far include: Pallong (S) to Palong (N) conering six km which was to be completed in 18 months at an estimated amount of Rs.2,75,48,982.09; Dikiuram to Taipram (13.95 km) worth Rs.6,37,33,995.20 for the same period; Dikiuram to Langpram (15 km) estimated at Rs.6,66,43,930.13 and Oktan to Nurathei (13 km) estimated at Rs.5,84,55,262.18 with time allotment of 18 months. Abonmai alleged that construction works were yet to begin even though it has been 14 to 15 months ago they were awarded by MSRRDA with 20% to 30% below the schedule rate.

He also alleged that MSRRD officials including "minister, RD, CE and engineers" were involved in "manipulating all the prescribed guidelines of the CPWD and have been responsible for making their own rules like Standard Bidding Documents (SBD) violating existing norms which include picking and choosing contractors of their choice.

TPF also demanded that a halt to lowering the scheduled rate of bidding tender and appointment of competent persons after transferring the those not executing the works under prescribed norms.

The forum also demanded an investigation into the matter by agencies like CVC, NIA and other competent authorities.

TPF warned that if the demands were not met, the forum along with like- minded civil society organizations would resort to appropriate legal actions so as to dispense justice.

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