Even though the Works Department is responsible for carrying out various developmental works, the functioning of the department has been severely affected and the efficient officials’ morale is down due to the unconstitutional, illogical and questionable attitude of the department Secretary.
It is apprehended that if things are not brought under control, the department might become a white elephant like many of the corporations.
Works Secretary Nalini Kanta Pradhan, whose one-year extension after his superannuation on April 1, 2018 had raised many eyebrows, has bent every rule in the book but surprisingly till now he has gone scot-free.
After his extension, Pradhan on August 21, 2018 in letter no. 07381400052018 - 12888 gave reemployment to 30 retired Assistant Executive Engineers (AEEs) and appointed them as Officer on Special Duty (OSD).
This is said to be a record of sorts as never before so many Government officials were given extension.
Again on September 24, 2018 he gave reappointment to Chief Engineer (Roads) Om Prakash Patel , who had superannuated in letter no 07361400512014- 14674 as OSD in the EIC (Civil) Office.
This again raised many an eyebrow as the concerned officer is under the Vigilance Directorate. (Letter no 10644/ VIB (N) dated 8.12. 95. But more surprising was Patel was conferred with financial powers but without any clause of recovery in case of any financial irregularity.
Besides, due to the extension granted to Patel, the future of nearly 20 engineers, who are to superannuate within a year, has been pushed into the dark and triggered resentment among them. Most of them without any promotional avenues are thinking of taking VRS, said departmental sources.
Despite all the rules being flouted by the Works Secretary the State Government has remained a silent spectator. There are demands from several quarters for the State Government to order a high-level probe into the irregularities committed by Pradhan to ensure transparency and smooth functioning of a vital department like Works.