Handwara PHE scam

Multi-crore scam in Handwara, district Kupwara PHE surfaced in 2014 has shown that only 17 out of 60 habitations are getting water supply while rest are still without water supply or are partially covered. The State High Court had taken up the hearing of a PIL in this connection. A large number of Government functionaries in PHE from the rank of Executive Engineer to Junior Engineer have had to be suspended and inquiry ordered. Apart from the investigation carried by the Vigilance, a departmental enquiry was also underway. The Commissioner-Secretary Flood Control Department has deposed before the court that the CE in its report submitted that the water supply in the Ramhall Block of Handwara is following the norms of National Rural Drinking Water Program (NRDWP) and out of 60 habitations, 17 habitations are getting 100 percent quantity of drinking water and are designated as FC (fully covered) About 35 habitations CE are getting water supply between 10-LPCD to less than 55-LPCD and are designated as a status of PC (partially covered) and remaining habitation do not get the supply more than 10-LPCD which is considered as below norms. From this report it is clear that the funds were released for providing water to all the 60 habitats which has not been done, Grapevine has it that a hefty amount to the tune of 50 crore rupees has been embezzled. Functionaries alleged to be involved in the scam have been suspended and some tests have to be obtained from the Forensic Science laboratories so as to proceed legally in the case.
This case shows that notwithstanding the tall claims of the PDP-BJP Coalition Government that it will rid the State of scams and corruption have only proved hollow. More than three years and half have passed when the scam was first unearthed, and till date no significant action has been taken that would show that the Government is seriously concerned in fulfilling the promises it made at the time of forming the coalition Government. We may ask if three and half a year is taken only to suspend the alleged defaulters and the case is yet to begin for proper investigation and follow up action, the case may never be brought to logical conclusion. The Coalition Government has to give a proof of its seriousness of eradicating corruption from the administration and giving people clean and good governance. In the meanwhile the PHE should be directed to supply water to the habitats that still have no access to it.

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