Ranjit cracks whip against sub-standard works
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 23: Incensed with the sub-standard work at the transit hostel of the Mini Secretariat as well as the non-completion of the construction work of the office building of the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Chandel, Works Minister K Ranjit has stalled the ongoing work at the Hostel and sought a report on the work of the CJM office within a week's time.

The Minister cracked the whip against the poor quality of work during an inspection tour of Chandel district today.

K Ranjit inspecting the unfinished work of the transit hostel of the Mini Secretariat at Cdl and the wooden structure at the CJM office

The Minister was accompanied by the MLA of Tengnoupal AC MLA Morung Makunga, Chandel AC MLA Thangkhulun Haokip and the Chief Engineer of PWD Rashtrapati.

During the inspection tour, the Minister studied the conditions of the road from Pallel to Chandel and the road connecting Chandel and Sugnu, besides the building construction of the Mini Secretariat and the office construction of the CJM.

Making his displeasure known to the officials and contractors, K Ranjit has sought a report to be submitted within one week's time on why the money was withdrawn for the office building of the CJM, though the work had not been completed.

Assuring the officials and the contractors that funds would not be a constraint, the Minister urged them to work sincerely and at the same time expressed deep displeasure over the shoddy work carried out along the 18 km road from Pallel to Chandel.

The road was hastily prepared ahead of the inspection tour of the Minister.

During the inspection of the office of the CJM, the Minister turned livid with rage when the shabby construction gave away on being touched.

Turning to the officials, the Minister instructed them to immediately stop the construction work if concrete machine and vibrator are not to be used.

Though the amount earmarked for the construction of the office building of the CJM, Chandel was Rs 14.13 lakhs, the building was in disarray and not yet completed, though the contractor in question is reported to have withdrawn Rs 13 lakhs.

Ranjit asked the PWD officials to prepare a report and submit the same to him within one week's time.

After the inspection tour, the Minister was given a warm reception by village chiefs and community leaders, who put forward a number of complaints.

The main points raised were the absence of the DC from his station and the irregular attendance of the district level officers.

Greeting the people, the Minister explained that though a sum of Rs 24.22 crores was sanctioned for constructing the Pallel-Chandel road in 2004-05 under the Additional Central Assistance plan, the work could not be taken up on time following wranglings after the contract work.

Assuring that no efforts will be spared to complete the construction of the road, the Minister said that he has been informed of the need for three road Mohoris and two SOs to over see the work.

The needed officials will be deputed for duty tomorrow itself, he promised.

He also urged the public to extend their co-operation.

Asserting a strong stand against the unholy nexus between Engineers and contractors, the Minister said that these elements have taken advantage of the law and order situation to loot the public.

If there is any proof of such unholy dalliance then the officer concerned will be terminated from service.

The Minister also appealed to all the organisations to stop hankering after contract works and instead work to ensure that quality is maintained.

Work on the road connecting Tengnoupal and Hengshi has started with a fund of Rs 7 crores, informed the Minister further.

One guest house each at all the district headquarters with Rs 1 crore each will also be built, he assured further.