Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 9: The Minister of State for PHE, I&FC assured inquiry into the alleged bunglings in the excessive expenditure shown by various PHE Divisions in the State on account of funds utilized on account of Labour component.
Giving details of the funds utilized under various Water Supply Schemes across the State from 2009 to 2014-15 (ending February) during Question Hour in the Legislative Council on the issue raised by Naresh Gupta from Congress, the Minister disclosed that in 17 PHE divisions of Jammu funds to the tune of Rs 717.43 crore were spent out of which material cost was worth Rs 417 crore while labour cost Rs 300.35 crore. A total 11.51 lakh persons were provided water through these schemes in Jammu region. He also claimed that Rs 1260.48 lakh was spent under NRDWP in Bhaderwah, Bhalessa and other catchment areas from 2009 to Feb 2015.
Referring to 19 PHE Divisions of Kashmir, the minister said Rs 1098 crore were spent to provide water to four lakh population. Out of the total Rs 658 crore is the material cost while Rs 439.26 crore is labour component.
The Congress Member pointed out that PHE Rural Division Jammu has projected a whopping Rs 63 crore as labour cost as against the material cost of Rs 15.92 crore during this period. Similarly, PHE Division Reasi Rs 25 crore material cost and Rs 17 crore as labour cost, PHE (M) GWDD Jammu material cost Rs 34.12 crore and labour cost Rs 36.47 crore, PHE Division Akhnoor Rs 47 crore material cost and Rs 19 crore labour cost, Kathua Division Rs 26 crore labour cost and Rs 38.91 crore as material cost. He alleged that it is big scandal and the matter is needed to be referred to the Vigilance department. He pressed for high level inquiry into the matter. The minister however, assured the member to hold a probe.
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