Dimapur, December 10 (MExN): A joint representation of Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) and Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) submitted to the Chief Secretary Government of Nagaland & subsequently the Secretary to the Govt. of Nagaland Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, New Delhi has called for cancellation of the work for construction of 9 (nine) Nos of RCC Bridges.
It has also demanded to the Government of India in particular to set up an enquiry committee/ SIT to investigate into all the contract works of M/s. National Construction & M/s. Perfect Construction in the State of Nagaland and also to justify/rectify the exorbitant rates & abnormal quantities approved by the Government of Nagaland to them.
According to a joint statement from the two organization, the construction comes under Special Packages (SPA) for Eastern Nagaland (Mon, Tuesang, Longleng & Kiphire) during 2012-13 and 2013-14. The press note stated that the contract was awarded to M/s. National Construction & M/s. Perfect Construction in total violation of NPWD Code & CPWD Code and financial rules and that the same was rectified/justified to show the “high rates and abnormal quantities given to them”.
The joint statement has objected to the manner in which the works were allotted without call of tender in public media or the press. Further, the Earnest Money was not deposited and thereby the government losing a huge amount of money through earnest money deposits alone. A court fees stamp amounting to Rs.7.50 was not even pasted on the document. This is a clear violation of NPWD code and a clear case of technical corruption.
The other issue highlighted was the exorbitant rates quoted by these firms namely M/s Singh Construction Co, M/s. National Construction and M/s Perfect Construction. The joint statement also made reference to one instance when M/s Singh Construction Co were indiscriminately awarded with many works at an average rate of 1117% (plus escalation) above NPWD Schedule of Rate 1995.
Considering some of the mentioned facts, circumstances and points on merit, the Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) and Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) demanded for cancellation of all the work orders for construction of the above mentioned 9 (nine) nos of RCC Bridges in Eastern Nagaland (Mon, Longleng, Tuesang & Kiphire) already awarded to firms namely M/s. National Construction & M/s. Perfect Construction.
It wants the government to invite tenders in the most open and public manner possible strictly following the norms and conditions of both the NPWD Code and CPWD Code, the NPWD SOR 2010.
It has further demanded the Government of Nagaland & Govt. of India particularly the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, New Delhi to set up an enquiry committee/ SIT to investigate into all the contract works of M/s. National Construction & M/s. Perfect Construction in the State of Nagaland and also to justify/rectify the exorbitant rates & abnormal quantities approved by the Government of Nagaland to them.
Failing which the Eastern Naga Students Federation(ENSF) & Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) would be compelled to approach the higher authority and even approach the court of law for justice, stated the joint statement issued by Kezhokhoto Savi, President NVCO and Hawang T. Wangsha, President ENSF.
