PMGSY contractors seek Home Ministry's intervention

Itagar, Aug 12: With cloud of uncertainty hanging over the release of funds for Phase-II of PMGSY projects undertaken by the Rural Work Department (RWD), the panic stricken PMGSY contractors has sought the intervention of Union MoS for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju The contractors are on panic mode, following reports that the Centre may not release allocation for PMGSY road projects in Aruchal Pradesh as reports of irregularities and corruption in the RWD surfaced.

Representing the aggrieved PMGSY contractors, Seppa ZPM Rajo Gyadi called on Rijiju on Thursday seeking his intervention to resolve the impasse with the Ministry of Rural Development, so that genuine contractors may not suffer.

Gyadi in his representation claimed that after the NIT formalities, several PMGSY projects across the State are underway and on the verge of completion. Pleading Rijiju to intervene, Gyadi informed, “Many projects have achieved completion, including formation cutting and CD works despite unfavourable weather conditions.” He went on to claim that genuine contractors, who have put all efforts to achieve the target, are being deprived of payment despite achieving 80 percent of physical work.

Responding to Gyadi’s representation, Rijiju informed that he had already discussed the matter with the RD Minister and assured that efforts are on to find a mechanism so that genuine contractors working on ground are not deprived or denied of their rights. However, he also disclosed that the Modi-led Government is taking serious note on alleged reports of irregularities and corruption related to the PMGSY road.

The Centre has allocated 119 projects under the PMGSY Phase-II for Aruchal Pradesh in the fincial year of 2016-17, amounting to Rs 2400 crore. However, following reports of corruption in the department, the Centre is now reluctant to release funds.