By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Should the retirement of any official stall government schemes? Should the next in line not be identified to fill in the vacuum created by a retired person? No officer is indispensable. So why should schemes suffer when someone retires unless it is the governments own lack of preparedness?
The retirement of the former Chief Engineer of the State Sports Council, W Kharmalki is set to delay the completion of flood- lighting of JN Stadium and the laying of the synthetic athletic track unless another person is appointed soon.
The two major projects funded by the Centre were expected to take off at the earliest but are now delayed since the State Sports Council is without Chief Engineer at present.
According to official sources, the two projects were at the final stages of implementation at the time when W Kharmalki retired as the Chief Engineer on July 31.
“No one can deny that Kharmalki was totally involved in the preparation of the DPR for the two projects improved. His (Kharmalki) retirement is a major setback to the progression of these projects,” official sources said.
Even though many may not agree with the decision of Deputy Chief Minister Bindo Lanong to extend the services of the former Chief Engineer, Kharmalki, official sources said that Lanong had taken this decision to ensure that the two projects do not suffer.
“This controversy of extension of the service of Kharmalki has happened due to conflict of interests at the top levels of the Government. If the Government is really concerned about the progress of the two projects then they should have immediately appointed another person in place of Kharmalki,” official sources said.
People at the top are allowing this issue to blow out of proportion due to conflict of interest, official sources said.
“We fear that the Centre might withdraw these two projects due to the failure of State Government to implement them within the stipulated time period,” official sources said.
Informing about the status of the two projects, official sources informed that the bidding process for the flood lights have already been completed.
“Five private firms have participated in the bidding process. The Government would have completed the allotment of the project were it not for the retirement of Kharmalki,” official sources said, adding that the project is being funded by North Eastern Council at an estimated cost of Rs 5 crore.
Meanwhile, official sources said that the Union Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs have awarded Rs 5.5 crore for the synthetic athletic track under the special scheme.
“The amount earmarked for the project has already been released to the State Government,” official sources while adding that the Government was supposed to invite the bidding for this project.
“This was also stalled due to the retirement of the former Chief Engineer,” official sources added.