Members in the lok Sabha on Thursday questioned the quality of rural roads being constructed under a Central scheme, saying despite orders from the Centre they were not being consulted in selection of new projects.
Members said besides quality, the roads sanctioned for a particular length were reduced in size and money unspent is not accounted for.
Several members expressed their indignation over “ the failure” of district administrations in taking them along while deciding on new projects under the the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojna (PMGSY).
Members from the BJP, its ally Akali Dal, Congress, left parties and AAP were seen raising the issue from their respective seats. They included Harish Meena (BJP), P S Chandumajra (SAD), Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury (Cong), Dharamvir Gandhi (AAP) and Badaruddoza Khan (CPI-M).
This prompted Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to say that there was a need to check the “gaps”. She said while orders from the Centre are clear, often the meetings of vigilance committees headed by MPs are not held.
She said such meetings should ideally take place every three months and MPs should use it as a “weapon” to get things done and ensure promptness and quality.
Responding to questions on the role of MPs and the quality of construction, Rural Development Minister Narendra Singh Tomar assured that the Centre will ensure that the orders are followed.
Mahajan said as a member of the House she understands the problems being faced by MPs and suggested a discussion on the subject.