Department of PWD (R&B) has reacted to the PIL filed before the Kohima Bench of Gauhati High Court over the PDA government’s alleged attempt to divert Rs.15 crore provided under Special Road Development Program (SRDP) 2017-18, which was secured by the previous NPF-led DAN government.
In a press release, PWD (R&B) chief engineer (CE), Limadongdang Jamir, stated that the question of attempt to divert funds did not arise.
He said the previous government accorded 17 works during 2017-18 under Special Road Development Program scheme on February 3, 2018. However, the work orders could not be issued due to the electioneering process.
After formation of the present PDA government, chief engineer said 17 projects were reviewed out of which two were retained while 10 other projects were prioritised.
Accordingly, Jamir said necessary re-appropriation and the administrative approval and expenditure sanction were accorded on March 5, 2018 for 12 reviewed projects to the concerned department.
CE also said that the supply order for supply of emulsion and bitumen for Rs.5 crore, which was earmarked for immediate repair and maintenance of 12 district headquarters, were placed and on receipt of emulsion and bitumen, maintenance works of the roads were being currently implemented in the 12 district headquarters.
According to CE, the change of project and re-appropriation of fund was done procedurally.
Further, Jamir said that the amount that was drawn earlier was re-deposited into the government treasury.
He added that re-deposited amount was drawn through the proposal submitted by the department, which was subsequently released by the finance department.
CE disclosed that tendering process for the remaining 11 works has been completed and work orders have been issued by the concerned department.