R&B dept not to violate govt rules: CE; NFHRCC to impose total Dimapur bandh next week
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JUNE 25
The Nagaland Foothill Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) has decided to go ahead with its proposed total Dimapur bandh “sometime next week”, to register its “angst” against the State government’s refusal to act on the ultimatum served by the NFHRCC to the latter.
Even as the deadline of the ultimatum expired today, the NFHRCC received a letter Wednesday from the Chief Engineer (R&B), D Mero, seeking to “clarify” on the June 18 ultimatum.
“While the Department places on record its appreciation to the initiative taken by the NFHRCC to construct the foothills connectivity road, it is to be mentioned that the then Chief Minister of Nagaland and the Hon’ble Minister, R&B had directed the department to work in coordination with the NFHRCC in the interest of the project,” the letter read.
However, the Chief Engineer said, it must be understood that the department cannot, and will not blatantly violate standing government rules and procedures in order to facilitate the wishes of the committee or, for that matter any individual or group.“It is to be made absolutely clear that: No writing or verbal assurances were made at any point of time by the government regarding allotment of the works as per the recommendation of the NFHRCC. In fact, the honourable minister had only mentioned that he would see what can be done within the rules and procedures. Such misinterpretations only create confusion and arise suspicion in the minds of the public,” he went on to say.
This was, however, refuted by the NFHRCC today. It stated that the NFHRCC was in possession of “the letter that was endorsed by Minister of R&B when he was approached on December 7 last year by NFHRCC regarding the demarcation and dress cutting of jeep-able road for Nagaland Foot Hill Road Construction.”
As such, the Chief Engineer’s claim today, was a “blunt lie and a negative response”, according to the NFHRCC members.
Stating that the contractors who had been awarded with the works are bonafied government registered contractors and capable of executing big projects, the Chief Engineer said, without any prejudice, it must be appreciated that M/s Sungkutenem Construction and M/s A. Pongshi Phom, both local contractors, were allotted the works of Mokokchung and Mon sectors respectively basis on a transparent bidding process. “There are expected to complete the work as per the agreement of the contract,” he said while stating that in case of any failure or breach of contract, they will be penalized as per the terms of the agreement.
“The question of cancellation of the work orders, therefore, would not be legally sound and would amount to miscarriage of justice. Under the circumstances, issuing of the work order to NFHRCC or their candidate(s), which was never agreed upon, does not arise,” the Chief Engineer said
He further clarified that there is no question of diversion of any fund meant for this project.
The Committee said the R&B Minister had approved the project, and having been endorsed the same, copies of it were made available to the Chief Engineer and Commissioner Secretary on the same day and consequently work orders were given, which clearly contradicts the claims of the Chief Engineer.
Accusing the Chief Engineer of doublespeak, the NFHRCC members advised him “not to use pluralistic tongue in his singular mouth.” His response was nothing but rubbing more salt into the wound, according to the NFHRCC.
The decision to impose a total Dimapur bandh has been backed by all the ten constituent tribes of the NFHRCC. It has been reliably learned that the Committee has actually confirmed the date on which the bandh will be imposed.
After the total Dimapur bandh, the NFHRCC will up the ante by locking down of PWD offices located in the area of its 10 constituent tribes.
