SHILLONG, June 30: The UDP, which is a major ally in the ruling MDA 2.0 Government, has called for an investigation to find out if any irregularity has occurred in the procurement of corrugated aluminium roofing sheets by the Housing department.
“There should be investigation. If it is established that there are irregularities then the concerned people should be booked and penalised as per law,” UDP general secretary Jemino Mawthoh said on Sunday, making it clear that the party will not remain silent on any “illegality” in the government.
“It is for the state government to rectify the illegalities. The UDP will not condone anything which is illegal,” he said.
He said there should be an investigation to find out if the allegations levelled by the HYC are true.
The HYC has lodged a complaint with the Meghalaya Lokayukta demanding an inquiry into the irregularities in the procurement of corrugated aluminium roofing sheets by the Housing department.
He said the Directorate of Housing ordered sheets with a thickness of 0.45 mm, which is the standard for good quality. But the supplied sheets were 0.25 mm thick.
According to him, the deviation from this standard, resulting in the supply of sub-standard sheets, raises serious concerns regarding the quality control and procurement practices within the department.
He said the supplier, Kolkata-based Hariana Iron Works Pvt. Ltd., which was contracted despite not specialising in roofing sheets according to its corporate profile, bears responsibility for delivering materials that do not meet contractual specifications.
“It is not a small amount since the tender value is of Rs 20 crore,” he said.
