Government initiates RDA against AEE, JE for causing loss to state exchequer

Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has initiated regular departmental Action (RDA) against the then Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) and Junior Engineer (JE) of Agrostology wing of forest department for use of substandard material and release of payment prior of completion of works of both projects in favour of contractors causing loss to the state exchequer.
According to government order no 432-PW(R&B) of 2022, dated 02/12/2022 both the engineers have been accused of abusing official positions. “AEE Arit Gupta, WLP/Forest Jammu, in the month of November 2017 vide e-tendering notice no 1 of 2017-18 and no 3 of 2018 both dated 28/11/2027. The tenders were invited by Mr. Daleep Kumar the then Dy. Conservator of Forests Agrostology wing Forest Department, Jammu from approved and eligible contractors for the construction of shelter sheds for nomads and livestock along the migratory routes at Sinthan top in Kishtwar district and Shaitani Nallah in Ramban district,” govt order reads.
“Accordingly, the construction works at both sites allotted to Bashir Ahmed Wani for Shaitani Nallah and Mushtaq Ahmed Rather for Sinthan Top at advertised cost Rs 35.40 and Rs 35.20 respectively. But the AEE Arit Gupta and JE Vikas Gupta submitted CC 1st and CC 2nd bills amounting Rs 34, 70,638 and 34, 35, 344 to the then Deputy Conservator of Forests, Agrostology wing”, the order reads and added, “On the basis of bills submitted by the concerned AEE and JE the forest department release full payment in advanced in favour of both the contractors, without deducting rebate of four percent and one percent respectively without checking progress of the works achieved at both sites.”
“On the spot inspection of the works at both locations by the then Vigilance Organisation (now ACB) in association with the officers of the concerned department on 10/04/2018 and 11/04/2018 the works were found incomplete at both sites. It was also found the substandard/under specification material used at both the sites by the contractors, causing huge loss to state exchequer,” the order further read.
Updated On 12/3/2022 11:39:17 AM

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