Akshay Azad
Jammu, Oct 14: In sheer violation of government order making prior approval mandatory for release of funds , the Development Commissioner Power released Rs. 3 Crores out of total Rs. 20 Crores released for improvement of HT/LT network in state.
Sources informed Early Times that state government had accorded release of funds to the tune of Rs. 20 Crore viz-a-viz Rs. 10 Crore for each province, for improvement of HT/LT network in state and the funds were placed at the disposal of Development Commissioner Power for further placement at the disposal of Chief Engineer, EM&RE wing, Jammu and Kashmir under Annual Plan 2013. According to order issued, sources said, it has been maintained that the funds should be utilized after approval of Action Plan by the government, but in total violation of the order, the Development Commissioner Power released around Rs. 3 Crores for clearing the liabilities of several contractors on October, 1, 2013. "Approximately Rs. 1.6 Crores has been released for Jammu province, while Rs. 1.4 has been released for Kashmir province to clear the liabilities of some blue eyed contractors", sources said, alleging that all it was done Development Commissioner Power.
They further said that when fingers were raised over the illegal release of funds, the Dev Commissioner Power only after ten days withdrawn the release of funds. "Though the DC Power has withdraw release of funds but the funds have already released to some contractors from where it is not possible to restore the previous position", sources said, adding that now the authorities have been contemplating to hush up the case.
The government has also made it clear, sources said, the funds would only be utilized after preparation of Action Plan for the improvement of HT/LT network to cater to the vulnerable spots where the HT/LT network is in dilapidated condition and warrants immediate attention, but the funds have been diverted by Dev Commissioner Power to appease some of his blue-eyed contractors.
"Although it is a gross violation of government order by Dev Commissioner Power, but it has been came to fore that the government is shielding the involved Dev Commissioner, but authorities with active connivance of some higher ups have been hush up the case", an official seeking anonymity said.
Pertinently, as per scheme the rotten wooden poles, unserviceable, unauthorized conductor at 11 KV level and below to be replaced. The most vulnerable spots in villages where distribution network poses risk to life and property have to be taken up under the scheme. |
