Early Times Report
Jammu, June 27: Alleged bungling in the name of modernisation in the Department of Information, Jammu and Kashmir, is a fit case for Vigilance probe.
According to the sources, money worth crores was recently spent to equip the Information Department with advanced technology and manpower in tune with the latest trends and development in the information technology but no required transparency was maintained while making purchases and others works.
While elaborating, sources said that the Department of Information procured equipment like video and still cameras, mikes, computers, speech promoters, projectors along with electronic gadgets like laptops, videos editing equipments, public address system etc at all levels, including the District Information Centres.
However, sources alleged that no transparency was maintained in purchase of these equipment worth crores of rupees while secrecy of financial bids was also violated by some officers at the helm of affairs.
For augmentation of manpower, the department hired the services of various so called professionals in the respective fields. The selection of these `professionals' was allegedly made on pick and chose basis without following any norms.
Under Phase-II of the modernization project, State of Art auditorium with facilities of Media Room, Green Room for Conference Hall and other allied works were completed during the year 2016-17. Further, under Phase -III of the project, construction of a separate Audio-visual unit for in-house production of Aks-e-Parwaz Library cum Reading Room and studio for Film unit in progress.
Besides the allegations of irregularities in these purchases and works, sources said that the Department of Information has been showing huge expenditure on organizing workshops and trainings for the media professionals and students and enhance their skills.
However, sources alleged that all these mega exercises and huge expenditure on the name of modernization have virtually not benefitted the working journalists and the media organizations but only helped some officers and officials in the Department of Information to get their palm greased.
Since the execution of these works and purchases are fit case for the Vigilance probe in view of alleged irregularities, the Governor's administration is hoped to look into the matter and take necessary action. |
