An RTI report of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) works in Langthabal AC undertaken by the Imphal West Division of PHED during 2017-2022 has reportedly found irregularities in the implementation process while comparing it to a field survey report.
In summing up, as per the RTI report and field visit report compiled by RTI activist Kh Vimal Singh, the number of pipes actually utilised is not equal to the number of pipes issued and prima-facie instances of double billing of same work under different programmes.
Moreover, two of the works taken up in 2021-22 were erroneously executed under the nomenclature of extension of water supply at Langthabal Kunja to Haoreibi Zonal areas, which is within the jurisdiction of Samurou Nagar Panchayat being covered under “other town” category.
It is to be noted that Langthabal Kunja is under the jurisdiction of the Chajing Water Supply Scheme, which also belongs to the “other town” category. Besides, there is no technical and administrative feasibility of providing water at Haoreibi Zonal Areas to Langthabal Kunja.
As the work was done and completed by the contractor, it amounted to an unauthorised or irregular expenditure of Rs 15,77,000 as payment made to the contractor, the RTI report found.
In Langthabal AC, the JJM programme was implemented in seven villagers namely, Oinam Thingel, Sorokhaibam Leikai, Laiphrakpam Leikai, Naorem Leikai, Langthabal Mantrikhong, Langthabal Kunja and Haoriebi.
As per the information furnished by the department through RTI, the division executed two works in 2017-18, no works in 2018-19 and 2019-20, 14 number of works in 2020- 21 and two works in 2021-22.
The division has made the payment of Rs 2,30,02,541 to four contractors being the bills of the 18 works done during the period.
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In this regard, the RTI activist had also lodged a written complaint to the chief secretary seeking his attention for enquiry in respect of the JJM works taken up in Langthabal AC, pointing out that the JJM works at the constituency amount to criminal misappropriation of public money.
The complaint also pointed out that to cover up the irregularities, some of the works were executed later on while the bills were already paid; community involvement in the term of participation of GP and member is minimal and they have been kept in the dark; implementation and execution of JJM overlaps other programme leading to chances of double billing and it mostly lacks quality control.
Further pointing out that the Maintenance Division, PHED, has also been implementing various program of ‘Har Ghar Jal Mission’ across the constituency through a company as the executing agency, it said there is also the prima facie evidence of overlapping of the programs and unscrupulous activity of preparation of double bills of the same work albeit under different programs.
As per source, it is reported that the Administrative Report of PHED since 2018- 10; 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 was not submitted to the State Assembly Secretariat and Budget Estimates for the three successive Financial Years of the State and budget were passed without the Administrative Report.
According to a study by this reporter, some of the villages in Langthabal AC are still facing acute shortages of tap drinking water and many households rely on private water tankers.
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