SHILLONG, NOV 24: Meghalaya urban affairs minister Ampareen Lyngdoh informed the assembly on Monday that the government has cancelled the tender for opening of toll-gates (for 2014-15) because of the failure of the Tura Municipal Board CEO to seek for permission.
Replying to a query during the question hours on Monday, Lyngdoh said, “The tender for 2014-15 has been cancelled by the government as the CEO did not seek necessary permission. The toll collection was stopped since October 1, this year.”
The government had floated tender on August 21, 2014 and 35 interested people had bided.
Lyngdoh said that the government regret that the necessary formalities like seeking permission before floating the tender was not taken that led to its cancelation but she said let the enquiry be completed and the government will ensure all these anomalies do not recur. She assured, “We are working on it and we will take action as per the government procedures and rules.”
Lyngdoh further informed that a total amount of Rs 19.12 lakh was collected as revenue by the Tura Municipal Board from the toll gates which include Chassinggre Toll, set up along Tura-Guwahati-Shillong road, Sangsangre toll (along Tura-Dalu-Baghmara road) and Daldagre toll (along Tura-Garobadha road).
The three toll gates were allotted to Bikarson Sangma of Rongkhon Songittal, Tangkham M Sangma of Lower Hawakhana and John Rodney Marak of Tura Tetengkol of Tura Tetengkol, she said.
Independent legislator John Leslee K Sangma quoting Supreme Court order disallowing setting up of toll gates along the national highway alleged that it was based on the advised of the Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, the CEO had set up these toll gates.
Leslee also alleged that even after the tender was floated, the toll gates were not open because one of the legislators who is fighting that two of the toll gates should allotted to him.
Reacting to this, Lyngdoh said, “I would like to place on record that hearsay and allegations cannot be brought on the floor of the house. I appeal to the Speaker to strike all unofficial information.”
Raising a supplementary question, Independent legislator Saleng A Sangma enquired whether the toll gates are illegal or legal. To this, Lyngdoh reiterated that the fact that the government had cancelled the tender is an indication that some anomalies were recorded adding the TMB is authorize to collect some remuneration from vehicles as per law.- By Our Reporter
+ There are no comments
Add yours