Demanding a CBI probe into the alleged multi-crore scam in construction of various bridges in the State, construction workers under the banner of the Odisha Forest, Wood, Agriculture and Building Workers Union, an affiliated body of the AITUC, staged a demonstration in front of the Assembly here on Friday.
The agitators demanded strong action against Works Secretary Nalini Kanta Pradhan for his alleged involvement in the scam.
Addressing the gathering, union State president Sura Jena and secretary Bijay Jena said there has been large-scale corruption in the construction of several bridges in the State.
‘For the interest of contactors, the design of the Kathajodi bridge in Cuttack was changed for which additional estimate of Rs 35 crore was approved by the Government. Besides, many workers had sustained injuries when the Banki-Subarnapur Satamundia bridge had collapsed. The inquiry report is yet to be furnished,’ alleged president Jena. For low-quality construction works, several bridges have collapsed in close succession, Jena said, alleging a nexus between the Works Secretary and the contractors.
‘The State Government has also been shielding the Works Secretary. Hence, there should be a CBI inquiry into the bridge scam in the State,’ demanded union secretary Bijay Jena.
Earlier, the construction workers took out a protest rally from the Master Canteen Square to the lower PMG here.
