Bihar: NDA government revokes ₹826 Crore contracts awarded by 'Mahagathbandhan'
- In Reports
- 05:06 PM, Jun 25, 2024
- Myind Staff
A minister announced that the NDA government in Bihar has revoked 350 contracts valued at ₹826 crore. These contracts were initially awarded during the previous 'Mahagathbandhan' administration led by the RJD in the state. They were intended for supplying drinking water in rural areas.
The decision to cancel the contracts followed an inquiry by the Public Health Engineering Department, which uncovered "irregularities in the contractor selection process," he stated.
PHED Minister Niraj Kumar Singh informed PTI that during the previous RJD-led grand alliance regime in the state, the department awarded numerous contracts. An inquiry by the department revealed that due process was not followed in awarding 350 contracts valued at ₹826 crore. These contracts pertained to rural water supply projects, including the installation of hand pumps and mini water supply systems.
He stated that the department has submitted the preliminary inquiry report to the competent authority within the state government for a thorough investigation.
"I recently convened a meeting of senior officials from the department upon receiving the report. Subsequently, the cancellation order was issued," he stated, emphasising that stringent action would be taken against those found guilty.
During the previous grand alliance government in the state, RJD leader Lalit Yadav held the position of PHED minister.
PHED Minister Niraj Kumar Singh disclosed that the previous government awarded a total of 1,160 contracts amounting to ₹4,600 crore within a span of 17 months. Singh stated that out of these, 350 contracts had been cancelled so far, with the remaining contracts currently under scrutiny.
Singh declined to elaborate on the specifics of the irregularities uncovered by the department, citing an ongoing investigation by the competent authority. He emphasised that it would not be appropriate to disclose details at this time.
According to documents accessed by PTI, Banka district saw the highest number of cancellations with 106 contracts related to rural water supply systems revoked. This was followed by Jamui (73), Lakhisarai (20), Aurangabad (18), and Ara (11).
In response to the Bihar government's decision to cancel these contracts, RJD's state unit spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwary criticised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and BJP leaders, alleging fear of opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav. Tiwary highlighted achievements of the previous 'Mahagathbandhan' government, including initiatives like employment generation for 7-8 lakh youths and social security measures for economically and socially disadvantaged groups.
Mrityunjay Tiwary, spokesperson for RJD's state unit, asserted that NDA partners are apprehensive about the impact of previous government welfare initiatives that benefited lakhs of people in Bihar. He declared that RJD is unfazed by any investigation and urged the NDA government to proceed as they see fit.
The PHE department oversees the installation of hand pumps and mini water supply systems in small communities and wards.
Earlier this year, Nitish Kumar terminated his alliance with RJD and rejoined the NDA. Following this, the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government initiated a review of decisions made by departments previously led by Tejashwi Yadav, Lalit Yadav, and Ramanand Yadav of RJD.
In February this year, the Cabinet Secretariat issued a directive instructing officials from the health, road construction, urban development, and rural works departments to conduct a review of decisions made during the previous grand alliance government in the state.
Image source: PTI
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