Kohima, November 22 (MExN): The Nagaland Contractors' and Suppliers' Union (NCSU) reiterated its earlier decisions adopted on October 5 regarding projects under Phase-III of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), including the demand for ‘one project-one firm.’
The NCSU’s general meeting on November 21 also reaffirmed the demand for maintaining the status quo of the tender system with the usage of 15% new technology in those projects.
Despite officials meeting concerned authorities on various occasions, the union expressed dissatisfaction with the adamant attitude of the State Government of Nagaland and NPWD (R&B) in particular, calling it a ‘setback.’
Providing background to the October 5 resolutions, the NCSU informed that attempts were made to address grievances on May 5 when union officials met the Executive Engineer PMGSY. However, no resolution was achieved.
Subsequent efforts, including representation to the Chief Minister of Nagaland and seeking an appointment with the State Chief Secretary, yielded no action or response.
Meanwhile, on September 6, the Chief Engineer PWD (R&B) floated a tender with 100% new technology and 40 projects grouped into 16 packages. Accordingly, the NCSU wrote to the Chief Engineer requesting to keep the Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) on PMGSY – III in abeyance. However, no action has been taken.
The NCSU disputed the process of grouping 40 projects into 16 packages, stating it was incorrectly attributed to a High Powered Committee during a September 12 ‘pre-bidding meeting’ when, in fact, it was done by the State-level standing committee.
The union further maintained that on September 15, the Chief Engineer (R&B) called union officials to his office chamber, but he was not there when the officials reached his office.
Thereafter, at a joint meeting on September 19, the union reiterated its demands for 40 projects-40 firms and 15% new technology, but the Chief Engineer (R&B) insisted on 100% new technology with 40 projects grouped into 16 packages.
This led to the NCSU walking out of the meeting for the “best interest of the Nagas in general and local contractors in particular,” the union said.
It also filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) “against the injustice practices of NPWD (R&B) PMGSY Branch to seek justice from the court of law to deliver justice.”
Meanwhile, the NCSU also resolved to take immediate disciplinary action against certain members for directly challenging the union constitution with an explanation call within 8 days.
The above issues were reaffirmed at its general meeting held in Kohima on November 21, where the house unanimously re-affirmed to stand for NCSU head office until justice is delivered, informed a press statement issued by the NCSU President, Pele Khezhie and General Secretary John Kath.
