Himanta Biswa Sarma Sets Three-Year Term For PWD Engineers

GUWAHATI: Acting tough on the state of affairs in the State Public Works Department, PWD Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday stated that he will “personally inspect all the roads across the 126 Legislative Assembly Constituencies across Assam from September to December.” He further asked those engineers of the department (Roads and Bridges) who have been posted at a place for more than three years to be “mentally prepared for getting transfer orders within 15 days.” Himanta Biswa Sarma also mentioned that “an amount of Rs 3,500 crore was approved for the renovation of State roads during the last fiscal.”

Minister Sarma stated thus at the launching ceremony for the distribution of 172 Mahendra Boleros to the engineers and two mobile laboratory vans to the department at the Convention Hall of the PWD in Dispur.

Adding that “whenever an engineer is posted at a place for more than three years, a vested interest grows,” Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “therefore, transfer of the engineer concerned is called for. Of course, one can apply for one’s choice of posting to the Commissioner of PWD. But I shall personally check the person’s previous three postings, and decide accordingly.”

On the condition of the state roads across the State, Sarma said, “During my roadshow in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls, I came across lots of potholes. And whenever I put my feet on potholes, I was sad to think as to why such holes still existed despite sanctioning Rs 3,500 crore for road renovation during last financial year. I, therefore ask all the engineers to take this sorry state of the roads into account, and repair the roads when there is still time. Besides, check the quality of the Paver Blocks used for the roads. I shall undertake my tour of the LACs on a bicycle from 8 am to 6 pm. On one day, I shall cover one LAC.”

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