Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Feb 2: Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu today expressed grave concern over slow progress of PMGSY roads in several districts and urged departmental officials not to confine themselves in their offices alone but visit the sites physically and ensure progress of the projects.
Kicking off a two-day performance review meeting on PMGSY here this morning at the Rural Works Department (RWD) headquarters, Khandu called on the officials to work in cooperation with contractors and other concerned organizations of PMGSY for early completion of undergoing projects across the State. He directed the officials concerned to submit detailed project reports (DPRs) as early as possible for implementing new projects wherever necessary.
Reminding the officials about the Central Government’s special package to the State for construction of rural roads under PMGSY, Khandu exhorted the department to avail the opportunity for state’s development.
“Proper road connectivity is the only way to development and the government is committed to it,” he said while urging the officials to be committed as well. He assured all possible help from the government for implementation of all developmental works.
Responding to the demand made by the department for allocation of Rs 5 crore for surveying of sites, capacity building and training related expenditures and 9 light motor vehicles for special inspection of sites, Khandu announced Rs 1 crore and 6 vehicles, which he said would be sanctioned by March next.
RWD Minister Kaliko Pul, attending the departmental review meeting for the first time after assuming the post, also expressed disappointment over slow progress of works in many districts. He called on the officials for commitment and dedication in work as he said that dedication and commitment was the only road to development. Emphasizing on early completion of undergoing works, Pul urged the officials to work on mission mode instead on single project mode.
“Unless you work on mission mode, you cannot complete the works on time,” he asserted.
Taking note of non-performing officials in many places, Pul warned of disciplinary action against them. He advised non-performing officials to leave the place of job voluntarily to let others more efficient take over the job. However, he assured that the government would be lenient on genuine cases and all assistance would be provided to sort out the problems.
On non-functioning contractors, Pul directed the officials to be legally strong.
“Terminate the contractors after giving notice in advance if they do not work or complete the work on the stipulated time,” the Minister ordered.
On e-tendering (electronic tendering) as proposed by the department, Pul said that the system needs a lot of requirements like internet connectivity; power etc, which is not available in many places and advised that it was not proper to go for e-tendering at the moment keeping in view these complicacies.  Earlier, Chief Engineer T Welly apprised the government of the challenges and work progress on PMGSY across the State. He pleaded for immediate sanction of funds to meet the department’s requirements under current financial year. He also highlighted on the proposal made before the government for creation of various posts in divisions and sub-divisions of the department.
Arunachal Pradesh Rural Development Agency (APRDA) Chief Executive Officer K C Demole, while highlighting the physical and financial targets to be achieved in the current fiscal year, emphasized on early submission of progress report from officials. He also discussed various aspects of PMGSY and suggested creation of District Programme Implementation Unit (DPIU) in every district to ensure proper work progress.
Kago Tabyo, SQC (Special Quality Controller)-cum-Superintending Engineer highlighted on quality aspects in PMGSY.  The review meeting was also attended by Tape Bagra, Commissioner (RWD), besides top officials of the department.