| CE takes note of RTI, orders probe | | Favoritism in PWD | | Et Report
Rajouri, Aug 31: Taking cognizance of the RTI plea regarding misappropriations and favoritism in allotment of various works being undertaken by the Public Works Department (PWD), the Chief Engineer has ordered probe in this matter.
"The matter has come to my notice and I have initiated probe into the matter. Those who will be found guilty will face consequences," said Chief Engineer, PWD.
"We have closed works by departments. However, in case of emergency and natural calamity some works can be carried out by the departments, he added.
Nazir Ahmed and Riaz Ahmed two RTI activists have alleged that they applied for information under RTI Act completing all the formalities but the concerned officers failed to provide information despite the applicants have approached first appealing authority.
Failing to get response in this regard, we finally approached SIC,, the duo stated in a statement.
"Ina gross violation of government norms of issuing tenders, Public Works Department (PWD) Roads and Building (R&B) has executed about 90 works worth Rs 3.24 crore without inviting tenders during the years 2010-11and 2012, the information was revealed through an RTI application filed by Javed Ahmed Khan s/o Gulzar Ahmed Khan who had demanded information regarding the works executed in R&B Sub-Division Shadra Sharief and North Rajouri without the invitation of tenders by the concerned department.
The reply pin pointed that department executed 37 works in the year 2010-11at the cost of Rs 1. 905 crore which include construction of road from Badhal Gali to Naga Thup at Rs 12.50 lakh, renovation of VIP suit at Dak Banglow cost at 11.30 lakh, construction of link road from Shahpur to Bharatpuri amounting to 9.82 lakh, construction of road from village Gurdan Bala to Gurdan Pain at Rs 90.80 lakh, construction of road from Dhangri to Gunni at Rs 9.73 lakh and others on which the amount spent ranges from few thousands to lakhs. The information also revealed that during the year 2011-12, 25 works were executed at Rs 66 lakh without tendering which include premixing of internal roads of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University road amounting to the cost of 14.70 lakh, premixing link road to Danishabad colony at around Rs 9 lakh, premixing in patches Thanamandi to Shahdra Sharief road at a cost of about Rs 7 lakh. Meanwhile Shieraz Inqlabi Gen sec NGO for Social Justice has alleged that we have approached chief Engineer and State Information Commission but the officers of the concerned Department tried to hush-up the misappropriations in the department. He added we (NGO) have decided to hold protest demonstration against the corrupt officers if government fails to take any action against the corrupt officers. |
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