The demand for establishment of a state-of-the-art Motor Driving Training and Road Safety Institute (MDT&RSI) in Brahmapur, the commercial and educational hub of south Odisha, does not seem to be a reality in near future as it remains confined to a mere foundation-stone laid by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at Palur Hill near Kanisi on the outskirts of the city on October 3, 2013.
In view of the growing trend of road accidents and deaths in the region, the Government decided to set up a MDT&RSI here to impart training to local youths for driving of heavy vehicles and on road safety measures besides generating employment opportunities for unemployed youths.
The Government has reportedly made the required payment to the PWD for construction of the institute. Though more than one and a half years have elapsed, no construction work has so far begun. In such a situation, unemployed youths of the region are deprived of training and employment.
At the foundation-stone-laying function, local MP Siddhant Mohapatra, Gopalpur MlA and present Minister Pradeep Panigrahi and former Commerce and Transport Minister Subrat Tarai were present and their names have also been inscribed in the foundation-stone.
The Commerce and Transport Department has reportedly paid Rs 88 lakh and asked the Ganjam district administration to identify suitable land for the proposed institute to be built up on PPP mode. An agreement between the Government and Tata Motors limited was signed for the purpose. As per the agreement, while the Government would provide the infrastructure, the Tata company would look after training, placement and other resources.
As per the provisions, the institute would impart training particularly for driving heavy vehicles like buses and trucks which would be provided by the Tatas. The eligibility for enrolment is that a candidate should have adequate knowledge in driving light vehicles at least for a year with a valid licence before being admitted into the course.
The trainees need not pay any fee and they would be given free accommodation and food. After successful completion of a three-month training course, the interns would be suitably employed. More than 200 youths would undergo training at a time.The scheme is now at the mercy of the PWD, on which the Government seems to have no control.
According to PWD sources, the actual delay was caused in the process of identification of land. For construction work, the tender process has already been over and the work order has been completed. For the delay in executing the work order, the PWD has served a notice to the concerned builder, who is expected to start work soon. Now, the question is why the Government and the PWD are silent for such a long time and why the PWD is afraid of contractors.
According to a senior citizen, all the politicians who lay foundation-stone for any project should fix time limit within which the proposed work should be completed and any deviation beyond the timeframe should be strictly dealt with under a law.
Similarly, the concerned politicians and Ministers should be booked under the same law as hundreds of such projects which are mere eyewash are now pending implementation in the State with the foundations stones having become out of sight.