PWD has over-quoted Rs. 98 crores, which has been approved by the PWD Minister
Mr. Ramesh alleged that Mr. Mahadevappa, along with some officials, were involved in accepting kickbacks of Rs 98 crores and demanded that the minister step down until the probe is completed and he is given a clean chit.
BENGALURU: Former BJP leader in the BBMP N. R. Ramesh on Wednesday demanded a CID probe into the road asphalting work under the BBMP jurisdiction, which was handed over to the Public Works Department (PWD). The PWD has over-quoted Rs. 98 crores, which has been approved by the PWD Minister H. C. Mahadevappa.
At the press conference, Mr. Ramesh alleged that Mr. Mahadevappa, along with some officials, were involved in accepting kickbacks of Rs 98 crores and demanded that the minister step down until the probe is completed and he is given a clean chit. Complaints have been registered at the 4th ACMM court, BMTF and Lokayukta under the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988.
The Technical Vigilance Committee under the Commissioner (TVCC) probe for infrastructure has pointed out that the PWD has inflated the tender by about 97.94 crores for just 302.5 kms of road, which has been approved. This is a testimony to the nexus between ministers and officials. Based on the SR rate guidelines, the BBMP has been given approval for asphalting 1,179 kms of road for Rs 657 crores, but the PWD has inflated tenders for 302.5 kms at a cost of Rs 342.47 crores.
Ramesh has said that this is unacceptable as both departments are to follow the same guidelines. He has lodged a complaint against the PWD principal correspondent M. R. Kamble, the PWD chief engineer Tyagaraj, additional chief secretary D. Sathyamurhty and under-secretary Gopalaiah.
Pointed out Ramesh: “The BBMP has over 800 engineers, out of which 500 are on deputation from the PWD. When the PWD has a dearth of engineers, how can it oversee projects worth Rs. 1,000 crore?
“Where is the need to entrust the PWD with the same work and at a higher cost?
This is a waste of tax-payers’ money. Since all the engineers on deputation would not have any accountability, no one would monitor the defect liability and maintenance period of three years. The PWD is already mired in the controversy of executing sub-standard work. If the state government has any intention to save the money of tax-payers, a special meet should be convened with city legislators to discuss the issue,” said Ramesh.
A copy of the complaint has been also sent to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) .
If the CM fails to request the CID for a probe into the matter, a fresh complaint will be lodged against the Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, as the project was approved by his cabinet.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
Next Story
