The first big news has come to the fore among the decisions of the review that started after the formation of the government in Himachal.
As soon as the Congress assumed power, 37 projects worth Rs 223 crore have been approved in NABARD. Himachal had received this amount in the month of December last and now the Public Works Department will complete their tender process.
All the projects which have been approved under NABARD are outside the review decision of the government. The Public Works Department will complete all these projects. The projects that have been approved include four bridges and other roads.
The tender process at the level of the Public Works Department has definitely been stopped, but the government has not raised questions on the process of the projects which are coming after getting approval from the Centre. In such a situation, the way has been cleared for the construction of 37 roads and bridges in rural areas.
Prior to this, a big bridge was also approved for Ghumarwin of Bilaspur just before the assembly elections. Due to the Model Code of Conduct, the construction of the bridge could not start, but now the Public Works Department has started the process of getting the tender of this bridge approved through NABARD.
In Himachal’s share, 90 percent of the funds will come through loans, while 10 percent of the total approved budget will have to be spent by the state government itself. It is noteworthy that after taking over the power, the state government has reviewed all the decisions taken in the cabinet meeting held after April.
The biggest impact of these decisions has been on the Public Works Department and Jal Shakti Departments. The tender process of both these departments has been stopped. There is a complete ban on new recruitments in both these departments.
Relief from NABARD to the Stalled Works of PWD
The state government has put a brake on all the works of the Public Works Department. In these, including the recruitment process, tenders have also been disrupted. At present, no other activity is going on in the Public Works Department other than NABARD.
The department is now seeing the commencement of development works from NABARD as a big relief. The commencement of all the 37 projects will provide relief to the villagers even in those areas which either do not have metalled roads or people have to cross nullahs or ravines.
Correspondence will Continue for Development Works
Chief Engineer of Public Works Department Ajay Gupta says that DPRs of developmental projects are prepared and sent to the Centre. Projects approved under NABARD are a part of this process. The project worth Rs 223 crore has been approved in December.
The Public Works Department is taking further action regarding their tender. After the completion of the tender process, the work of construction of approved roads and bridges will start. Public Works Department will continue to share such formats with NABARD in future also.
