Mangaluru (TNN): Tardy pace of progress in implementing various approved works under funds allocated to elected representatives - MPs, MLAs, and MLCs - to develop their respective constituencies riled minister of infrastructure S R Patil. A visibly irritated minister gave the officials concerned 90-days time starting Saturday to complete the same or face strict disciplinary action.
Patil, who reviewed progress of works taken up under MP local area development fund, as well as MLA and MLCs local area development fund here was particularly unhappy about the progress made by Mangalore City Corporation in implementing works allocated to them. Noting that pendency had built up from 2010-11 up to last fiscal and this was causing severe consternation to elected representatives; Patil said this cannot be tolerated.
Notwithstanding an assurance given by G V Rajashekar, executive engineer, Mangalore City Corporation that pending works will be completed within the deadline fixed by him, Patil reminded the official that his jurisdiction is lot smaller compared to ZP engineering division that had to look after works in the entire district. "It is such lethargy that erodes people's faith in the elected representatives and you must regain their trust," Patil said.
Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim observed that works of smaller amount hardly held any interest for engineering section of City Corporation that was flush with funds from various sources. "The value of money erodes due to delay," Ibrahim said, adding the minister must consider re-appropriating funds to the government treasury of such works that are delayed beyond a point. The minister however diplomatically brushed aside this suggestion.
