Rs 1800 cr worth projects undertaken without proper sanction

Srinagar, Aug 1 (UNI) Admitting that projects worth Rs 1800 crores have been undertaken in Jammu and Kashmir without proper administrative and technical sanctions, Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig said this has to be stopped immediately with the active cooperation of all political parties.

''Because of political compulsions, we sanction works without proper administrative and technical approval to please the people of that area which has to be discontinued immediately,'' he said in the Legislative Assembly during question hour today.

He said when the coalition government took over in the state in 2002, we were told that there is a liability of Rs 400 crore for the works done by the contractors without administrative and techinical sanctions. However, the actual libaility was Rs 1800 crore since 1978 when the first National Conference (NC) headed by late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah assumed office in the state.

Mr Baig, intervening in the discussion on the main question of Prem Sagar Aziz who alleged that sufficent funds are not being given for undertaking the developmental works.

Mr Balwant Singh alleged that against Rs 60 lakh, the government has released just Rs 1.20 lakh for working in double shifts.

Mr Baig, who is also a finance minister, said about 70 per cent works are being done without proper sanction.

He said the norms set up for undertaking any work are being violated by all of us (politicians).

'' Some members during the board meetings are requesting to start work with just Rs one lakh for a project worth crores of rupees to make the people of that area happy because of political compulsion'', he said.

He said in some cases engineers start work with Rs five lakh and later on extend it for several crores without any sanction.

Mr Baig said schemes which will be completed within three to four years will be taken up on priority after proper sanctions.

He said financial discipline will be implemented in the works already undertaken.

The Deputy Chief Minister announced to weed out the schemes which are not now viable. However, he said old schemes would be completed first.

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