Harsh Dev Singh NPP MLA and its working Chairman has expressed grave concern over the unprecedented leakage and pilferage in Public Works Deptt. and swindling of major portion of the developmental funds in the process of execution of planned works.

In a statement issued here today, he claimed that 75-80% of developmental funds earmarked for construction of roads, bridges and other public utility concerns were siphoned off in the form of commissions, undue profiteering and other unwholesome bargains leaving only around 20% of available funds for utilization on the ground.

He lamented the most reprehensible approach of the higher authorities who had chosen to ignore and disregard the persistent public outbursts against the blatantly irregular and corrupt practices prevailing in the Deptt. with the result that the malaise had aggravated manifold during the last few years.

He alleged that there was a powerful and well Knit mafia operating In the deptt. having full blessings of the helmsman and it was this mafia which decided all issues including Allotments of works, Transfers and postings, issue of Payments for work done liabilities etc.
Harsh further pointed out the large scale violations of codal formalities in the execution of works by R&B (PWD) Deptt. in the state. He said that thousands of construction works have been awarded to blue eyed contractors by the Public works deptt. in violation of all prescribed norms. He said that the PWD has beaten all records of executing “works without tenders” during the last three years.
Harsh further claimed that thousands of blue eyed candidates have been engaged in the PWD as gang coolies, daily rated workers, casuals, consolidated workers etc for extraneous considerations without following the procedure prescribed by Supreme Court on the subject.