Thiruvananthapuram: Works minister and Ambalapuzha MLA G. Sudhakaran reiterated that the granting of consultancy without tendering in Harippad Medical College has been against the law. At a press meet here, he said the report filed by the vigilance and PWD officials did not match, and the stand taken by Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala was a matter of concern.
“The way in which Mr Chennithala defended his action, despite the fact that he was not holding the portfolio, calls for apprehension. He need not comment on things which he need not know,” he said. He added that depending on the outcome of the two cases before the High Court, the government would undertake a detailed probe.
The vigilance wing of the PWD would initiate an inquiry on whether consultancy was granted unlawfully in Palakkad Medical College as well. Regarding completion of four-lane work on National Highway, Mr Sudhakaran said the work on the stretch between Kasaragod – Kazhakoottam would be completed in two years.
“Smaller disputes would be settled by holding talks with the affected parties. We are thinking of shifting the religious centres and will take expert advice on this. As promised early the expenditure towards the NH development would be met by National Highway Development Authority of India,” added Mr Sudhakaran.
He also informed that a full-fledged meeting of all the officials of PWD would be held in Thiruvananthapuram on July 9 to finalise the plans. He took a dig at the previous government claiming that they hid a report submitted by DMRC chief advisor E. Sreedharan to Planning Board. He said his recommendations would be implemented soon. Also, the recommendation of the Thiruvananthapuram district collector on having an elevated highway would be considered in due course.
