70% of JEs posted in PWD divisions of Rajouri and Poonch are overstayed; scripted multiple frauds; X.En Rajouri, Poonch violating RTI act
POONCH TODAY NEWS
POONCH / RAJOURI: Shocking, but true that 70% of JEs posted in PWD divisions of Rajouri and Poonch are overstayed and majority of them were involved in scripting multiple frauds over the years with the full support of their AEEs and successive X.ENs. Few days back, Commissioner/Secretary PWD Shailendra Kumar transferred large number of JEs, but in twin districts of Poonch and Rajouri 70% of JEs are still working who have completed more than six to eight years of stay. In Rajouri division, out of 25 JEs, 17 nos of JEs have completed more than eight years of stay, while in Poonch division, 17 out of 23 JEs have completed six to eight years of stay and have become expert in scripting multiple frauds. In Surankote sub division, 3 JEs are overstayed, in Mendhar sub division, there are 8 nos of JEs who are overstayed. Similarly in Mandi sub division, 3 JEs are overstayed while in Poonch sub division, 3 nos of JEs have completed their tenure and are overstayed. Data available with “POONCH TODAY” shows that few JEs and AEEs managed to withdrew huge bills many times from same work and such examples are in hundreds where out of the way benefits were given to selected contractors in all the sub divisions of Poonch and Rajouri districts. The brazen frauds of PWD were never came into limelight over the years, because a high level nexus was operating in Rajouri and Poonch districts which had its branches everywhere. Even during the tenure of former Chief Minister J&K Ghulam Nabi Azad, Poonch PWD murdered funds in several crores on the name of development of roads and several JEs, AEEs and X.ENs became overnight crorepatis. During 2012 power crisis, many tainted officers of PWD scripted major scams on account of snow clearing works. Even Poonch city, which witnessed only 1 to 2 inches of snow, was taken to task by PWD engineers who withdrew huge bills by showing 2 to 3 ft of snow accumulated in Poonch town. One PWD employee even said during those days, “Upar wala jab deta hai chappar faad ke deta hai” The list of frauds committed by PWD JEs, AEs and X.Ens is endless and not shifting JEs and AEEs for years by top brass of PWD shows that how strong nexus was operating in PWD for decades that no body in the corridors of power dared to shift tainted JEs out of Poonch and Rajouri districts. Moreover, Executive Engineers posted in Poonch and Rajouri division openly violate RTI act fearing exposure of their misdeeds. A strict action against all overstayed JEs is necessary to bring a transparent system of work in PWD which is always considered as a “Malaidaar” department in Poonch and Rajouri administrations.
