SHILLONG, MAR 26: Public Work Department-PWD- minister Sniawbhalang Dhar claimed that his department is maintaining ‘transparency’ in the awarding contracts and clearing bills of the contractors in the state.
Dhar told reporters on Thursday, “There is a transparent in place which does not allows monopolizing in allotment of work or payment of bills. Everything is done as per procedures.”
Dhar was reacting to the recent allegations made by the NPP legislator James K Sangma in the recently concluded state assembly that the department headed by him was indulging in ‘favoritism’ and ‘nepotism.’
Sangma had alleged, “It is sad that a leader heading the ministry is engaging in favoritism. Most of the works were awarded to the brother or those having blood relation with the minister.”
Dhar, however, had categorically refuted the allegation saying, ““To say that I have misuse my power in the form of favoritism and nepotism is totally wrong and not acceptable. I am here not for my family but for the people of the state.”
Claiming that a transparent procedure was being followed for awarding of works, Dhar, said, “Saying that most of the works were awarded to my brother is very wrong since the department is making the bills as per the work done by contractors.” He added by saying that if any works was allotted to his brother, it is done as per rule.
Dhar had taken charge over the PWD department for over two years.
Admitting that he has come from a family with business background, Dhar said, “Yes, we have the Dhar Brothers’ Construction and I was a former Director of the company. But I have resigned when I decided to join politics,” adding “Even my elder brother, Ngaitlang Dhar has resigned as he is presently the MLA from Umroi constituency.”
Questioning the credibility of the allegations made against him, Dhar went on to say, “In the present day, where certain anti-corruption mechanisms such as RTI, CAG and others, where is question of favoritism and nepotism.”
Stating that due to poor financial position of the state, contractors are not getting their payment, Sangma had nonetheless alleged, “But the Sohra Division has release one payment of about Rs 3 crores which was made to the minister’s own brother,” adding “This has to stop.”
Countering the allegations, Dhar said, “This is also wrong. I had reviewed with the department and I was informed that bill made to Rocky Dhar was on the original work for construction of the Shella Bridge under Sohra Sub-division.”
By original work, Dhar clarified that this was a project for which sanctioned was already there and it is unlike the works allotted under non-plan adding the Shella Bridge was allotted during the tenure of HDR Lyngdoh as the PWD minister.
Dhar also told reporters that he had in fact prepared his reply on this issue but couldn’t get the opportunity as the member did not move the cut motion on the voting of demand grants.”
Meanwhile, Dhar informed that he has ordered release of Rs 19 crore for clearing of pending bills of the contractors under general fund. He said the fund will be released based on the demand of the different sub-divisions under the department.- By Our Reporter
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