Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 12:
Reacting to the series of allegations levelled against the PWD, especially with regard to payment to contractors, former Works Minister and now in charge of IPR, Gaikhangam today said that the singular regularity and intensity with which the allegations have surfaced indicate that there is a persistent attempt to link his name with all the allegations.
Clarifying his position, Gaikhangam said that the State Works Department operates within definite guidelines and procedures and follows the time tested guidelines of the CPWD which has been in vogue since the British rule.
However due to the magnitude of the work load and the given law and order situation, occasional commission and omission cannot be ruled out, said the Minister and added that this is also happening in other departments.
Singling out the Works Department appears to be drive by an ulterior motive and intent, said the Minister.
Explaining the functioning of the PWD, Gaikhangam said that it operates broadly under two major fund allocation, one for Plan works and the other for maintenance of existing assets.
In case of Plan works, specific works are identified and incorporated in the works programme by the Programme Advisory Committee, duly constituted by the Govt.for such works, A/A and E/S is accorded by the competent authority before tenders can be processed.
For non plan works under Non Plan Head, there is no need of A/A and E/S and only the permission of the competent authority (engineers at various levels) is required, explained the Minister.
Proposals of release of CDA received from the Department (CE's office) is further processed with regard to the availability of funds under different heads before it is referred to the Finance Department, further said Gaikhangam.
At the stage of actual payment to contractors the higher authority or for that matter the Minister concerned does not come into the picture, unless there are exceptional cases, said the Minister.