SHILLONG, May 18: Against the backdrop of censure of shoddy construction of different projects in the state, the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) pointed out that compromise on quality of construction and the lax implementation of projects will continue unless there is a policy to allow the engineering wing of various departments to function independently.
“The fact is that 99 per cent of the projects implemented in the state have been compromised in terms of quality of construction due to interference by the political bosses,” HYC president, Robert June Kharjahrin, said while reacting to reports about shoddy construction of the Inter-State Bus terminus (ISBT) at Mawiong and Mawlai Bypass Bridge, both of which showed signs of damage recently.
According to him, the engineering wing of the Public Works Department or any other department is not functioning independently.
“The engineers are not allowed to function freely. The engineers will not go against the order from the top due to the fear of being transferred or will be liable for action,” the HYC president said.
Reiterating that the whole system has been compromised, Kharjahrin said that the Council demands of the state government to put in place a policy which will allow the engineers to function independently.
“The government can also come up with roster system with regard to the posting of the engineers. We should ensure that the engineers remain in the same posting for at least three years. The engineers should know beforehand on their next place of postings. It is only then the engineers will have confidence to do their job without any compromise,” Kharjahrin said.
According to him, the problem of sub-standard implementation will be checked if “political bosses” are not allowed to invade the engineers’ space.
“Whatever is happening at the moment is due to engineers obeying or succumbing to the order of the political bosses,” he said.
Talking about the significance of Meghalaya Lokayukta to keep a check on corrupt politicians and officers, Kharjahrin pointed that the Meghalaya Public Audit Act, 2017, rules under which were formulated in 2019 is yet to be enforced, while adding that the PWD has also been listed in one of the schedules of the Act.
“So far, the prosecution wing in the Meghalaya Lokayukta is yet to be constituted. How will the Lokayukta function without the prosecution wing? Till now, the Meghalaya Lokayukta Act is yet to be implemented in letter and spirit,” HYC president added.
