saahil suhail
Early Times Report
SRINAGAR, Apr 9: A group of officials in Rural Development Department (RDD) are lobbying for procurement of solar lights in violation of norms across Kashmir.
"The officials in nexus with influential contractors and some recently elected members were planning to procure the solar street lights locally to mint money," sources alleged.
They said that the officials were also provoking PRI members and instigating them against the Block Development Officers. "Sarpanchs have been conveyed that they have enough powers and can procure the solar street lights at their own choice," they added.
According to details available with Early Times, the Rural Development Department has released lakhs of rupees to Panchayat Halqas under 14th Finance Commission and Back to Village Program for installation of solar street lights in rural areas of Kashmir.
"Each RDD Block has been provided around Rs 40 lakh for installation of solar street lights in villages," Mohammad Asif, Block Development Officer Larkipora Dooru told this news paper.
The officer, however, said that he will follow the laid down procedure and norms for procurement of solar street lights.
Officials, who wished anonymity, revealed that Deputy Commissioner Anantnag had also received reports related to procurement of solar lights following which directed all Block Development Officers to procure the solar lights through GEM portal or JAKEDA which is nodal agency for the promotion and development of renewable energy programmers and projects. |
