STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: MLA Udhampur Pawan Gupta on Monday slammed Forest Minister for withholding forest clearance of developmental projects meant for District Udhampur.
He was speaking during the debate for grant of Public Works and Parliamentary Affairs Departments.
He complained that 14 years back when Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY) came into existence, the hamlets with 1000 souls were left out and in 2014, against such left out hamlets, roads were again adopted. Expressing surprise, he questioned under what circumstances 46 roads which were best suited for adoption under PMGSY have again been ignored in case of Udhampur constituency? “Not to speak of 250 souls even the habitations of 5000 people have been kept out of PMGSY’s ambit”, he alleged.
Citing that in the past 14 years not a single penny has been sanctioned either under CRF or under ERA funds in Udhampur constituency, he anticipated that justice shall be done to this constituency by clearing the DPRs sent to Central Government. “Under State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF), permanent restoration of roads and bridges was to be completed but the work on these has not yet seen the day of light and all such infrastructure is still in limbo”, he pointed out demanding early restoration of work on roads and bridges.
He castigated the Forest Minister for his negative role in withholding forest clearances of the roads under NABARD and even the vital project of National Highway. He demanded appropriate steps for getting the forest clearance and letting road projects to go head besides inviting attention of the concerned Minister towards roads of city and towns which need immediate overhaul.
Pawan suggested rejuvenation of design directorate by placing efficient engineers and through refresher courses. He further pointed out that how the meter rate of bridges is being accepted without proper design of department. He also suggested that while accepting the tenders, authorities should ensure that accepted rates are neither low nor high as compared to market rates for ensuring quality. He also sought deterrent laws to prevent frauds.
Speaking about demands on Parliamentary Affairs, Pawan expressed surprise that how in the absence of entire opposition on 21st January the demands of Education, Higher Education, Technical Education and Sports were passed on the floor of House making mockery of democracy.
He also expressed serious concern over the manner the Chairman of DDB Udhampur convened meeting in absence of all the three MLAs of Udhampur District by committing breach of privilege motion moved by him, which is pending before the Speaker. He further demanded participation of Administrative Secretaries in DDB meetings to carry the very object of instant justice at doorsteps of district.
