IMPHAL, February 23: The Zeliangrong Baudi, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, has urged the Government of Manipur not to accept any tender bid in `Minus category` for PMGSY phase-X work in Tamenlong district while warning that it would not accept it at any cost.
A statement issued by Gainithou Gonmei, information and publicity secretary, Zeliangrong Baudi (AMN), said Tamenglong being one of the most backward districts in India, the Union Governemtn has made sincere effort for bringing development to the district at par with other districts in the hill area of Manipur.
Huge amount of funds have been sanction under various fund heads particularly PMGSY for the construction of road in the district. Unfortunately, those funds meant for the construction of road connectivity have not been properly utilised on account of various factors, it lamented.
It noted that Tamenglong district is the most inhospitable hill terrain landscape making it an uphill task for smooth construction of roads and other projects accompanied with heavy rainfall.
Adding to this woe, it said that some contractors are bidding their tender for the PMGSY work below the sanctioned amount known as `minus category`. This new development has surprised the people of the district as they are doubtful even the full sanctioned amount would be able to carry out the work effectively in terms of maintaining quality, proper maintenance and proper damage system etc.
Under such circumstances the construction work with 30-50 percent below the official sanctioned amount has raised serious doubt in the mind of the public on the intentions of the contractors whether they are planning to exhaust the fund through various fraudulent mean without actual work, it said.
It pointed out that most of the previous phases under the PMGSY in Tamenglong district failed to meet the required standard of work.
Urging the authority concerned to refrain from giving work orders with the `minus category`, it warned that the body will not accept it any cost.
It further demanded the authority to increase the official scheduled amount as the nature of the work in the district unpredictable while referring to the rugged terrain.
The Baudi also informed that it would closely monitor all the execution of works in the district and other Zeliangrong inhabited area.