Finally we have a full fledged office of the Quality Control Board (QCB), which was constituted a few months back, consisting of three members. It is hoped that the aims and objectives of having a separate board, to look into quality control in the State, will not come to nought. With the emphasis to remain on large scale development across the State, it is only proper that these conform to the minimum standard of quality. Over the years, the poor quality of our development work has become a matter of concern for all of us—high cost involved, stalled projects or substandard and poor quality. In fact our Chief Minister has been profusely speaking about quality control and the need for engineers and contractors to improve the quality of construction works. Credit should go to him for finally constituting the ‘quality control board’. However in future, perhaps the mode of appointment needs to be changed so that this important office is able to function with greater autonomy. Off course we should not pre-judge the independence or competence of the current team appointed through an executive order. Hopefully the QCB will be able to prove the sceptics wrong. What is noteworthy is that the office of the QCB has recently come out with public information on further steps taken to make the work of the QCB more credible and also comprehensive.
As per the new norms, the QCB will also be empowered to order an enquiry or investigation on any construction project or on materials supplied, on which a complain has been submitted either from any governmental agency or from members of the public. This provision should make the functioning of the QCB more effective as it provides clear indication to act on public grievances. Interestingly the QCB can also “advice the Government on any restructuring of the administrative systems”... that will lead to “greater degree of transparency and accountability that are necessary for better implementation of projects and for the maintenance of quality in the works that are undertaken”. Whether the government will listen to such advice or not, nevertheless this is another welcome and progressive move because quality control cannot come about without some form of administrative correction or reform. To undertake capacity building exercise of those involved—both government and private—in construction works is also something that is much required.
Then the provision for setting up of Quality Control Committee in each Department and also District Quality Control Committee Levels to check, verify and inspect supplied materials and also construction works is also welcome. We would however suggest here that instead of inspecting materials already supplied, which if rejected, may cause certain inconveniences and even blame game, it would be better to first call for sample and once this is approved the supply can be ordered. If however the supply in this instance is not upto the mark, the department should have every right to reject it and the blame should solely rest with the supplier. In conclusion, one cannot expect a miracle so soon as far as quality control in our State is concerned. It will take time to evolve a quality control regime. We will have to overcome the years of corrupt system prevailing and work the nuts and bolts. The setting of the QCB is a first step, which hopefully will create the building blocks for a qualitatively better Nagaland in terms of our development.
