CM promises action against guilty officials

Mandi, Sep 24 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today promised strict action against HP State Electricity Board (HPSEB) officials responsible for the delay in the commissioning of 126 MW project in Mandi district of the state.

Talking to mediapersons here, he said all officials responsible for delaying the hydel project by over 10 years would be held accountable and made to pay for the delay.

Mr Singh said besides delaying tactics by a few officials and connivance by a few others, one of the other reasons for the delay in the commissioning of the project was the previous government's failure to provide adequate funds.

The cost of the project has escalated to Rs 1,293 crore due to the delay from an earlier assessment of Rs 797 crore, causing an estimated loss of Rs 496 crore.

Denying reports in a section of the press that no action had been taken against any official despite receiving reports that indicted them, he said the government was studying the reports and would initiate appropriate action soon.

''While the honest will not be harassed, the guilty will not be spared,'' he asserted.

UNI