Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, Apr, 26
Chamber of Traders federation sought intervention of Hon’ble Governor, requesting to review the current processes of procurement of key Construction material like Steel, Cement, and Bitumen etc. by the Government Departments.
Addressing a Press Conference here today, Neeraj Anand, President, CTF and National Vice President, CAIT said that it gives us no pleasures to mention that some sections of our responsible policy makers hitherto working with political dispensations have failed to change their mode even in the Hon’ble Governor’s Rule.
We were receiving many inputs from respective Companies and Transport Associations about blockage of payments, business loss besides apparent change in policies to bypass all check and balances added Neeraj while pointing towards urgency to hold today’s press conference.
Elaborating further Neeraj Said, our State falling in Seismic Zone- 5 category is prone to calamities as may result on account of weak Structures in the absence of quality control in construction material. Stores Procurement Department which was acting as nodal agency for procurement and supplying material like steel, cement, bitumen etc..to various Government departments like R&B, PWD, Irrigation and flood control engaged in executing important government projects like Bridges, Culverts, Building, Roads, Overhead tanks, Hospitals, Colleges etc, ensured safety parameters are followed to satisfactory levels. However, with suspension of SPD’s functioning, the only Government department involved in bulk procurement has apparently resulted in undermining Quality Control and has also badly affected the economy of Jammu Region by making large section of self employed population like Transporters, handling agencies, labour contractors, local dealers totally idle.
In the absence of procurement by the SPD, alternative Corporations like JAKFED has also been made defunct by policy paralysis resulting in payment blockage of National Suppliers of Cement Companies, Transporters etc.. running in Crorers since 2017-18, thus earning a bad name for the State as well. Neeraj further said that “what we shared today is the tip of the iceberg and we are confident that a detailed enquiry would also save crores of Tax payer’s money on account of salaries being paid to department employees without assigning any work*. Even huge infrastructure in shape of Storage yards, Government owned Trucks, etc have been made redundant.
We demand and are confident that under the able guidance of Honble Governor, The Administration shall respond favorably to just demands of stakeholders. This would help revive business /trade in Jammu region besides ensure quality and safety of Infrastructure being built in this Hilly State, said Neeraj Anand.
