Nothing surprising and it does not evoke much anxiety. It also does not torment the already troubled mind of the farmers, when a portion of the canal of Khuga dam was depressed. It has to happen. It is Manipur. More so when the work is done under the IFCD Government of Manipur. It is quite natural the work done by the contractor cannot be investigated properly by engineers for, the engineers themselves are not so sure about the release of the bills of the contractors. Penniless contractors whose bills have been withheld run here and there without getting the benefits. Nobody hears their voice. It might be for these reasons that the contractors defy all norms of construction of retaining walls. The depth and breadth of the retaining walls are always reduced and quality of the work is something not to be talked about. IFCD lacks commitment it cannot say no to the fresh proposal handed down to the department to take up fresh project without earmarking proper fund for the works. Now engineers are hiding. They avoid meeting with the contractors as they cannot clear the bills. In the recent past engineers were kept under suspension when a portion of the retaining wall of the Nambul river depressed. That was unethical and unprecedented. No engineer should be punished when anything happens because they are handicapped to investigate the construction work. They cannot assert when the contractors defy construction norms. Because they know the gullible contractors will not be getting money for the work done. So free hand has been given to the contractors. Consequently quality has been compromised. It is time new Minister of the IFCD gives serious thought on the matter of pending bills rather than taking up fresh work. The well being image of the society has been tarnished when the contractors are kept unhappy by holding back their bill. Unable to get back the amount spent on the construction work they show the tendency to incline on the unwanted elements to do a favour for them. That is called nurturing nexus between contractors and unwanted elements. PWD complex where major engineering departments are cloistered has been fortified. This is an attempt to foil the entry of unwanted elements into the complex. Union Government desires private Government partnership in taking up developmental works. Delay in clearance of contractors’ bill goes against this spirit. Understanding the problems facing the educated unemployed youths, it is time the state Government takes up steps to give benefit to this section of the people. A Government exists to serve the interest of all people not only its employees. If the employees are getting pay regularly why should not the section of people, who survive working under the Government as contractors, enjoy equal benefits? One should get better perks and perquisites according to the nature of responsibility taken by one and also according to the volume of work done by one. Nobody will say anything on that. The concerned departments have no right to withhold the payment of the contractors. Attention of the highest authority is drawn to look into the matter. Get the blessings of the neglected lot by doing something for them.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/equal-treatment-a-must/
