Avinash Azad
JAMMU, June 22: Notwithstanding NC-Congress coalition government's claims of having empowered Panchayats, allegations have surfaced of public representatives not being consulted by government agencies before executing development works.
Unholy nexus between contractors, departments and politicians is claiming huge toll on state exchequer, since without estimate, works are being executed in rural areas. Sarpanch, Rakh Gadi-Garh, Vijay Sharma told Early Times that without any order from government agencies including Rural Development Department and PWD, construction work of two lanes was executed in ward number 4, after lapse of one month the works remained un-completed.
Sarpanch said that when a deputation of locals went to Block Development Officer and PWD officials, they disowned the works executed in the Ward. "The lanes/ road condition in ward number 4 were in good condition, but last month, a contractor had started some work. After digging for about 500 meter portion of both lanes, contractor left the work mid-way", said Vijay, adding that the locals wanted to know the reasons for stoppage of work.
He further said that Rural Development Department had already done a number of works without involving Panches and Sarpanch. "Some contractors under political patronage of minister, are executing un-planned and without estimate works in area", the Sarpanch said, adding that he was mulling to register a case against the contractor who had executed the works. Ridiculing government's claims to strengthening Panchayats, Sarpanch said that 14 departments come under control Panchayats, but paradoxically, village heads are not being consulted by government agencies. |
