Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 18: Expressing concern over inordinate delay in construction of Basantgarh – Khaned road sanctioned by the Government of India in 2010, a strong contingent of JKNPP led by its Chairman Harsh Dev Singh today gheraoed the office of PMGSY Chief Engineer at Panama Chowk.
Alleging rampant corruption in the functioning of PMGSY, Harsh Dev Singh said that vested interests of the authorities concerned had resulted in the failure of a very significant flagship scheme meant for providing connectivity to the rural poor.
He regretted that works on several road projects under PMGSY had been abandoned half way with clearance having been wrongfully given to the defaulting contractors by corrupt functionaries of PMGSY. He further alleged that allotment orders for works were often withheld and given by the competent authorities at their whims and fancies only after their vested interests were satisfied.
Strongly condemning the delay of 7 years in commencement of construction work of Basantgarh- Khaned road, Harsh Dev Singh said that vested interests of PMGSY authorities had deprived the affected remote area people of their right to connectivity. He lamented that out of Rs 10 crore having been sanctioned for the construction of the road in 2010, with additional Rs 3.90 crore for its black topping sanctioned in 2012, not a single penny had been expended due to unwholesome corrupt motives of the departmental authorities.
Holding the Commissioner as well as the Chief Engineer PMGSY responsible for the lapse, he said that population of Basantgarh, Mang, Punara, Sang, Arthal and Khaned villages has been subjected to huge inconvenience.
He urged upon the State Accountability Commission and State Vigilance Commission to take cognizance of the culpable conduct of the authorities besides their omissions and commissions and initiate appropriate proceedings against them. He cautioned that in case the road construction was not started immediately thousands of people who had planned Jammu march early next month would launch indefinite dharna and protest outside Chief Engineer, PMGSY office.
He further pointed towards the execution of repairs and renovation and maintenance of PMGSY roads through blue eyed contractors particularly in Ramnagar constituency in violation of the codal provisions.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel