Avinash Azad
Early Times Report
Jammu, Mar 15: Government contractors who approach government treasuries for the payments against the works done by them have rued 'commission raj' alleging that they have to pay two percent cut to get the payment cleared, or else their files are dumped.
"We have to pay hefty amount throughout a contract, from day one when we receive work allotment order from department, we have to pay two-three percent commission; then with progress in work we have to pay from top to bottom in that department", said a contractor pleading anonymity.
He further said that the contractor has to pay commission everywhere despite govt's to claims of e-tendering and e-payments.
"They will delay the payment, if you do not pay commission in the treasury", said the contractor, reiterating that like e-tendering, government should adopt e-payment system at the earliest. "Like e-tendering has brought transparency in bidding system, the payment of contractor should be made on the same pattern", he suggested.
"PWD, R&B are aware of the nexus in government treasuries, but can't do anything", said a senior engineer whishing not to be named. He further said that steps are being taken to introduce e-payment system, once it gets implemented, commission system in treasuries would be done away with.
Navin Kumar Choudhary, Commissioner Secretary, Finance Department said that remedial measures have been taken to curb the menace. "There is no need to meet Treasury Officer, he has no authority to pass bills of contractors", he said, adding that the Finance Department is issuing time to time advisories' to make people aware about it. "If someone demands bribe to clear the bills, the matter should be brought into notice of higher authorities, as e-mail addresses and contact numbers of higher officials are easily accessible", he added. |
