The State Government in a bid to implement 5T in the Works Department and streamline the department’s functioning had appointed an IAS Officer instead of an engineer as the Works Secretary.
But sadly, there have been no major achievements by the Secretary in his tenure. The department Minister has no role to play in the department’s functioning and there is no coordination with the Secretary.
Rather some contractors, who are beating the drum that they are close to the Works Department Engineer-in- Chief have continued to unscrupulously squeeze illegal profits at public expense while relaying roads, repair and patch of roads, putting up of signages and undertaking roadside paintings.It is alleged that inefficient and corrupt engineers are holding key posts, taking advantage of it dubious contractors are siphoning crores of rupees.
Take for the example of Division-3.The department had floated a tender for construction of a drain from the HDFC Bank in Nayapalli to the World Square (via Power House Square). And the project cost was Rs 2.722 crore. As per the tender specifications a box wall was to be constructed. However, OPTCL had earlier constructed a wall on one side of the road only finishing work was done on the other side but the contractor claimed that he had constructed walls on both the sides and claimed the bill accordingly. To make matters worse the corrupt officials have turned a blind eye to contractor’s violations for allegedly receiving a cut when contractor would cash the bills
Besides, most of the roads that were constructed in the Jaydev Vihar area have developed potholes after a few days of their completion. The unravelled roads within days of their construction a jeopardising public safety.
But due to lack of quality assurance, fixing of accountability and the corrupt engineers alleged connivance with contractors has cost the State crores of rupees.The intelligentsia has demanded a Vigilance probe into the massive corruption in department which has spread like cancer.