Thanna Mandi Contractors’ Protest Enters Second Day; Demand Inquiry Into Alleged Irregularities in PWD Division

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Pir Panjal Contractors Association Extends Support; Higher Authorities Urged to Order Time-Bound Probe

FROM EDITOR DESK 

RAJOURI, AUGUST 11:-The protest launched by contractors of the PWD (R&B) Division Thanna Mandi against the alleged functioning of the Executive Engineer (XEN) entered its second day on Tuesday, with agitating contractors intensifying their demand for an impartial inquiry into alleged administrative and financial irregularities in the Division.

Members of the Contractors’ Association accused the Executive Engineer of alleged corruption, mental harassment, favouritism, nepotism and administrative high-handedness, claiming that developmental works in the area have been adversely affected due to what they described as an “unresponsive and non-transparent” functioning of the Division.

The protesting contractors alleged that delays in measurements, processing of bills, execution of works and clearance of payments have created serious difficulties for genuine contractors. They said that repeated representations to the authorities have not yielded satisfactory results, forcing them to continue their protest.

Among the issues highlighted by the protesters is an alleged expenditure of nearly ₹1.85 lakh on fuel in a single month. The contractors demanded that competent authorities verify vehicle logbooks, fuel vouchers, movement registers, official tour records and related documents to ascertain whether the expenditure was incurred strictly for official purposes and in accordance with financial norms.

The contractors also sought scrutiny of tendering procedures, allotment and execution of works, Measurement Books (MBs), contractor payments, pending projects, staff attendance records and compliance with financial and procurement rules.

The protesters further alleged that the Executive Engineer has been residing in the departmental Dak Bungalow for several months without payment of rent or deduction of House Rent Allowance (HRA), and demanded verification of the relevant records. These allegations, however, remain subject to official verification.
Pir Panjal Contractors Association Backs Protest.

Extending support to the agitating contractors, Pir Panjal Contractors Association President Shafqat Wani termed their demands as genuine and called for immediate intervention by higher authorities.

Wani said that contractors are vital partners in the region’s development process and deserve transparent, fair and respectful treatment. He urged the Chief Engineer PWD, administrative authorities and other competent agencies to order an independent, fair and time-bound inquiry into all allegations so that facts can be established on the basis of official records.

He stated that transparency and accountability are essential for ensuring timely execution of developmental works and maintaining public confidence in government institutions.

The Contractors’ Association maintained that its agitation is not directed against any individual officer personally but is aimed at ensuring professional and rule-based functioning of the department. The protesters said that if the allegations are found baseless, an inquiry would clear doubts, while any proven irregularities should be dealt with strictly under rules.

With the protest entering its second day, contractors and members of the public have appealed to the authorities to address the matter without delay in the larger interest of development and public welfare in Thanna Mandi.

The allegations made by the contractors are subject to verification, and the concerned departmental authorities may present their response.