CAU clarifies on slow pace of construction works
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 03 2013: The Dean of College of Agriculture of Central Agriculture University (CAU), Iroisemba, Prof N Iboton has spelled out the reasons why the varsity is plagued with slow pace of works in infrastructure development.

Speaking to reporters at his office chamber today, Prof N Iboton said, the construction works of the varsity are to be undertaken by the agencies approved by the Central Government only.

He added that construction of various buildings at College of Agriculture, Iroisemba and University headquarters at ICAR complex were approved by the Central Government in the 10th Five Year Plan.

Immediately after receiving sanction from the Central Government in 2005, NBCC, a Government of India undertaking, was allotted this work and Rs 6 crore was paid to the agency as work advance so that the agency could start the process of tendering etc.

NBCC appointed architects, prepared designs and submitted architectural drawing to the University, he said.

After completing the codal formalities and getting approval from the statutory bodies of the University, the clearance was conveyed to the NBCC to call tenders on September 4, 2006, Iboton added.

The Dean further said, NBCC advertised tenders as per the procedure approved by the Central Government thrice.

However no contractor came forward to take up the said works.

Ultimately, works could not be started at Iroisemba and ICAR complex till the end of the 10th Five year plan.

The sanctioned amount was revalidated from the Central Government in the 11th Five Year Plan and the process for construction was initiated, he added.

As NBCC could not complete the work, the agency returned Rs 6 crore with an interest of Rs 40 lakh, Iboton said.

However, in the 11th Plan as well, no agency showed keenness to undertake works in Imphal.

The University was compelled to prepare a package plan with works at other campuses along with Manipur so that some agencies could come forward, he added.

Engineering Project Limited (EPIL), in the interest of getting works at other colleges accepted the offer and decided to take up works in Manipur, the Dean said.

EPIL then started works in December 2008 .

However, Professor of Agricultural Engineering who was looking after the work of University Engineer was abducted in September 2009 by some anti-social elements.

After his release, the Professor refused to share the responsibility of the post which in turn slowed down the progress of work, N Iboton said.

As the work commenced after some time, four migrant labourers who were engaged by the contractor were killed on June 11, 2009 by some anti-social elements.

It led to the complete halt of works at all the sites for a long time, he added.

Iboton further said that the construction agency had appointed supervisory staff at Imphal but some of them preferred to resign from EPIL rather than coming to Imphal.

Ultimately, one Junior Engineer who was appointed by EPIL worked for six months, he said.

However, he too left the site due to constant threats from different quarters.

All these conditions contributed towards the slow pace of works although works in other campuses are going on in full speed, he added.

However, as EPIL is trying hard to complete construction works, things may improve in the near future, N Iboton said.

Regarding land allotment to CAU, N Iboton said that the State Government had allotted land for the expansion of varsity campus on February 24, 2004 .

However, no work could be started due to various objections, he added.

Later, PDA of the State Government consumed two years in the completion of fencing works of the varsity campus, he said.

However, no work could be taken up at the Government allotted land now as some people had moved the Court against the land acquisition by the Government, Iboton said.

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