Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 19: While emphasizing on transparency and fair play in the allotment of works involving more than Rs 1 lakh, the State Vigilance Commission has directed the Principal Secretary, Department of Forest, to implement directions issued by the Government as well as the circular instructions issued by the Commission on 17-12-2014 regarding e -tendering in letter and spirit.
During review of the progress of various directions issued to the Forest Department for ensuring transparency in the Government expenditure, it was revealed by the Conservator of Forests (Vigilance) that the Department is still in the process of completing the formalities for implementing the directions with regard to e-tendering. The Commission, while taking serious note of tardiness being displayed by the department in bringing accountability and financial discipline in the Department, has directed the Administrative Secretary of Forest Department to fix the responsibility and take action against those responsible for non-implementation of the directions. The Commission also observed with dismay that plantation involving crores of rupees of CAMPA funds is being carried out without inviting competition from bidders and the rates are fixed by a Departmental Committee thereby making entire process non-transparent and liable to misuse by vested interests.
Further, in a complaint lodged by Tirath Singh Manhas (Convenor, Industrial Association J&K) against the Pollution Control Board (PCB) before the Commission, it is alleged that there is close nexus between officials of the PCB and some private laboratories outside the State for issuing Self Monitoring Certificates (SMC) in favour of industrial units operating in the State on consideration of hefty amounts in an ambiguous manner.
The SVC, while taking serious note of the matter has directed the Principal Secretary to the Government, Department of Forest that all wings of the Forest Department including the Pollution Control Board shall forthwith implement a transparent system for e-tendering particularly the works involving amount more than Rs 1 lakh. The Commission also recommended that for inspection/ checks of Industrial Units, committees comprising of officers having certified integrity be constituted for pollution compliance and visit by individual officers/officials be stopped in the interest of transparent governance.
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