Ukhrul, September 15, 2009: The High Powered Committee, which was asked to probe the unauthorised awarding of 631 works, amounting to Rs 29.73 crores in respect of Khuga Headworks Division of Khuga Multipurpose Project under the IFCD in 2006, has nailed two former Chief Engineers, two former Additional Chief Engineers and three Executive Engineers (one has since passed away) for the scam.

Disclosing this to The Sangai Express, a highly reliable source said that the High Powered Committee named the said officials in the scam after minutely going through the report submitted by the Director of Vigilance on September 1, 2009, with the Chief Secretary in the chair.

Other than the Chief Secretary, the members of the Committee including the Principal Secretary (Finance), DP Commissioner, and Law Secretary were present.

Other officials, including the IFCD Commissioner, Chief Engineer of IFCD, Vigilance Director and SP of Vigilance were present during the meeting held on September 1 this year.

Documents available with The Sangai Express say that notices under the Manipur Personal Liability Rules, 2006, was served on two retired Chief Engineers of IFCD, two retired Additional Chief Engineers of IFCD, former EE of Khuga Headworks Division and EE of Khuga Headworks Division in connection with the case March 17, 2008. In their replies, most of the Engineers alleged the involvement of "some other persons in the matter," and accordingly, the High Powered Committee on April 4, 2008 decided that the Vigilance Department should investigate the matter and submit a fresh report.

The Chief Engineer of the IFCD was also asked to furnish a detailed report, with his specific comments on the written statement submitted by the said Engineers.

Following this, the Director of Vigilance submitted a report on July 8, 2008, said the source further.

Referring to the report of the Vigilance Director, the source said that altogether 631 work orders had been awarded to different agencies with respect to the Khuga Headworks Division during 2005-06. The total value of the work was put at Rs 29 crores, seventy three lakhs, thirty three thousand, five hundred seventy two and thirty one paise (Rs 29, 73,33,572.31). Elaborating, the source said that out of the 631 works, 178 works were approved by the Central Water Commission and were thus approved works.

The remaining 453 works, valued at Rs 19,54,04,250.21, were not included in the approved DPR, 2007. Out of the 453 unapproved works, part payment of Rs 13,17,16,958.24 had been made in respect of 276 works for which the total tender value was Rs 7,31,53000 lakhs, said the source.

That left a balance of Rs 5,85,63,958.24. In addition to this, out of the remaining 177 works (453-276), liability to the tune of Rs 63,687,291.97 had been created, though no payment was made, said the source.

The then Chief Engineer of IFCD, Md AH Khan also submitted his report on October 20, 2008 and his report was in conformity with the report submitted by the Vigilance Director, said the source.

After perusing the report submitted by the Vigilance Director as well as the then Chief Engineer of IFCD, the High Powered Committee observed that the said officers had wilfully misused their authority and powers to award works and make payments for the unauthorised works.

Taking into consideration the fiscal loss suffered by the State on account of the misdemeanour of the officers, the High Powered Committee decided to recommend that the total financial liability of Rs 19,54,04,250 should be recovered from the monthly salary and other entitlements, such as pension of the Engineers concerned.

The Committee also decided that the properties of the Engineers, who are involved in the above unauthorised works, shall not be allowed to be transferred to the names of any other persons or dependants.

This stipulation will hold true, till the full recovery of the liability.

Instructions to the district registrars and sub-registrars of the districts will also be immediately issued, decided the Committee.

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