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| Despite tendering being mandatory, RDD's field officers' reluctant to ensure transparency | | | Early Times Report
JAMMU, June 5: It was over a decade ago when the government made tenders for all works above Rs 3 lakh mandatory. But the field officers of Rural Development Department (RDD) are apparently reluctant to bring transparency and accountability.
According to sources, various departments, except the RDD, that too in Jammu division, have been complying with government's guidelines for a long time.
"As per order number RD-117, dated 2008, it has been asked by administrative department to Directorate of RDD Jammu, to call tenders for all works above Rs 3 lakh, but is not implemented in Jammu division, while same is happening in Kashmir division", sources informed and added that till date no responsibility has been fixed by the directorate for the field officers to comply with above said order.
"In recent past, several complaints have sent to various quarters regarding violation of the government order, but surprisingly, no change in functioning has been noticed yet", sources familiar with issue said, and added that the non-implementation of the new tender policy is taking huge toll on state exchequer, especially in far-flung areas of Jammu division.
"District Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Reasi, Poonch, Rajouri and some areas of Kathua have earned 'notoriety' in embezzlement of funds, as far-flung areas in many blocks of these districts are not easily accessible for the top officers of the department if one wants to keep a check on the quality and existence of a work", sources said and added that despite registration of half dozen cases in misappropriation of funds by the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB), but things have been going like the past.
If the sources are to believed, the ACB has sought details of various works above Rs 3 lakh executed by the department in various blocks of Jammu division.
Sources appealed the Secretary RD&PR Sheetal Nanda to ensure implementation of tender system in RDD especially for execution of works. "In past the Secretary had constituted enquiry committee into alleged misappropriation of works. Similar actions are required in Jammu division to bring accountability and transparency in the functioning of the department", they added. |
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