Money had been sanctioned and released for the retaining wall construction under the Brahmaputra project. But the sanctioned amount cannot be handed over to the contractors. A higher up has demanded 10 percent cut of the total amount being given to the contractors. But the poor contractors, who took up construction work after mortgaging the little they have, are not ready to follow the dictate handed down by the higher up through the engineers of the IFCD. The contractors even held meeting and a decision was taken not to withdraw the sanctioned money. But the Government is desperate the released money must reach the hand of the contractors before the end of the financial year for without sending utilisation certificate no fresh funds can be obtained from the centre. According to a source close to IFCD about 500 contractors were engaged in the construction of retaining walls across the state. These contractors are putting their hands on head when they think of parting away 10 percent of the amount being released. Frankly speaking they will never be able to meet the demand. Big shots and higher up cannot feel the plight of the poor contractors. As if money can be plucked from branches of the trees they openly say if you cannot pay my percentage demand no file movement and passing of bill is impossible. It happens in every Government department. Contract work is for the unemployed youths. Unemployed youths, who cannot get the benefit extended by the Government to the employed class, survive by doing small contract. This is a good policy taken up by the Government. After all a Government exists to serve the interest of all citizens. Does the higher up think of collecting 10 percent cut from the employees pay? If not why it looks differently to the contractors. Such attitude shown to the poor contractors will make the Government unpopular in the eyes of poor unemployed sections. The matter should receive the attention of the highest authority of the land. These contractors are nominees of other higher ups. Manipur is now ruined. Restlessness has permeated everywhere. This is caused by higher section of the society. They have played the role of tormentors when they should be in the foot step of saviour. Youths have taken up arms and many others have resorted to drugs as they see not bright future in this corrupt society. Corruption goes unchecked. Higher up demanding 10 percent of the fund released for the work already done is unacceptable. Inspection if any of the work done and the quality of the wall could have been checked when the construction was on. Moreover two years and above had elapsed since the completion of the wall construction. The concerned engineers are in dilemma whether to obey the instruction from the higher to cut 10 percent or issue cheque before the expiry of the financial year. Delay will be dangerous for the contractors have taken a hardened decision not to part away their hard earned money. The matter is serious. The attention of the highest authority of the land is drawn to look into the matter.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cheque-cannot-be-issued/
