The report, prepared in September 2022 by the MC authorities, details a series of financial and procedural violations in works executed during the pandemic. However, despite the seriousness of the findings, no concrete action has been taken so far, raising questions about administrative accountability.
BJP has already taken up the issue, with party state vice president Subhash Sharma accusing the Congress and AAP of being hand in glove on the matter. Sources said the government may also bring the report out to target the Congress.
According to the document, the inquiry examined multiple works related to sanitation, procurement, and labour supply undertaken during Covid. It found significant lapses in the tendering process, including violations of mandatory e-tendering norms. In several instances, tenders were processed offline, while required procedures such as submission of earnest money deposits (EMD) and proper documentation were allegedly bypassed.
Sources said that over Rs 50 crore lying in fixed deposits with Nangal MC was misused during the Covid lockdown period.
The report also flagged irregularities in the drafting and execution of DNITs (Detailed Notice Inviting Tenders). Time extensions were granted to contractors without proper approvals, and in some cases, works continued beyond stipulated periods without formal sanction from competent authorities.
One of the key areas of concern highlighted in the report was the supply of labour for sanitation works during the pandemic. Payments were reportedly made in excess of permissible limits, with variations exceeding the prescribed 35 per cent cap. Officials were also found to have failed in ensuring proper supervision and monitoring of works, resulting in inefficiencies and financial implications for the council.
Further, the inquiry pointed to discrepancies in the levy of service charges. While government instructions capped such charges at 1 per cent of the contract value, later revised to 2.5 per cent, the report noted that payments were made at rates that did not strictly conform to these norms.
The purchase of insecticide medicines during the Covid period also came under scrutiny. The report indicated possible violations of Punjab Financial Rules and the Punjab Municipal Act, citing lack of transparency in procurement procedures and inadequate justification of costs.
The inquiry named several officials and employees, including executive officers, engineers, and sanitary inspectors, and held them responsible for various lapses. The findings suggested instances of misrepresentation, weak internal controls, and poor adherence to financial rules.
Despite these serious observations, the report has been pending for action for over four years. No major disciplinary proceedings or recoveries have been initiated, sources said. This delay has now become a point of contention, especially with civic elections around the corner.
Political observers believe the issue could gain traction in the election discourse, with opposition groups likely to target the ruling establishment over inaction. The alleged irregularities during a sensitive period like the Covid pandemic could further intensify public scrutiny.
Residents and local stakeholders have also begun questioning why the findings were not acted upon in a timely manner. Many argue that accountability in such cases is crucial to ensure transparency in public institutions.
As the election date nears, the fate of the inquiry report and the action taken on its recommendations may emerge as a key issue, shaping both the political narrative and public opinion in Nangal.
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