Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 4: In an embarrassing situation for the ruling Coalition, the National Conference MLA, Rachpal Singh today challenged the reply furnished by the Minister In-charge Power in response to his question regarding establishment of M&RE Sub-Division at Kalakote and offered to resign if his stand was proved wrong by the Power Development Department.
The National Conference MLA turned agitated when Minister of State for Power, Vikar Rasool informed the House that Chief Minister during visit to Kalakote had agreed to consider the demand of the area for establishment of Electric Sub-Division. However, when the demand was examined it was found that Kalakote area has meager consumer base of 3620 and the creation of Electric Sub-Division was not feasible.
“This is the misleading reply from the officers. If other departments can have their Sub-Divisions in Kalakote what’s the problem for the Power Development Department. This is the response of the department despite the fact that Chief Minister has already agreed for the same”, Mr Singh said, adding “there are one lakh electorates in Kalakote and PDD has posted four Junior Engineers for the operation and maintenance of its lines in the area”.
Challenging the reply of the Minister In-charge Power, the National Conference MLA said, “I announce in this House that if I am proved wrong by the department I will resign”, adding “Minister should personally visit Kalakote to see whether the reply furnished by the department is right”.
Taking serious note of the issue, Speaker, Mubarak Gul said, “if any officer is found misleading the House necessary action would be taken against him”, adding “the Minister should visit Kalakote to assess actual position so that necessary process would be initiated for setting up of Electric Sub-Division”.
While stating that directions of the Chair would be followed, the Minister said, “I assure the House that an enquiry would be initiated against the officials for providing wrong information and stern action taken against negligent officers”.
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