Srinagar, Nov 29: The Public Work Department has launched an investigation against two engineers in response to allegations that a contractor was awarded a staggering Rs 10 lakh for a project initially valued at Rs 81,222.
The inquiry is directed at Er. Asgar Ali Watali, the then Executive Engineer (R&B), Sub Division 1st Srinagar, and Er. Yasir Faiz Jain, the then Assistant Executive Engineer (R&B), Sub-Division Hazratbal.
As per the official details from the department, the contractor was allocated more than 12 times the contracted work for the facelift of Syed Meerak Shah Road from Ashai Bagh Bridge to Zakoora Crossing.
The tasks included painting electric poles/parapets, road marking at center and side lines, and Zebra Crossing. Additionally, an extension was granted for the construction of a retaining wall along the road from Dalkawpora to Chowdary Bagh at Rainawari Srinagar.
The Public Work (R&B) Department issued an inquiry order that designates Er. Ghulam Rasool, Superintendent Engineer PW(R&B) Circle Budgam, as the Inquiry Officer and Er. Javed Iqbal Shawl, Executive Engineer PW(R&B) Division Budgam, as the presenting Officer to investigate the allegations.
“In amendment to the prior Government Order No. 270-PW(R&B) of 2023 dated 26.06.2023, the appointment of Er. Ghulam Rasool and Er. Javed Iqbal Shawl is sanctioned for the inquiry. The enclosed inquiry report from the previous Inquiry Officer has been noted by the competent authority.”
The order stated that the contractor, initially allocated Rs 81,228, was later assigned work worth Rs 10 lakh—more than 12 times the original amount.
The original work included the facelift of Syed Meerak Shah Road, and an extension was granted for the construction of a retaining wall along the road from Dalkawpora to Chowdary Bagh at Rainawari Srinagar with an amount of Rs.1033565.
The Inquiry Officer is required to submit the report findings, along with recommendations, to the Administrative Department within 21 days from the order’s issuance date, addressing the authorities’ observations.
