Thirteen indigenous contractors were terminated from their work allotments by the Urban Affairs Department “without prior notice or valid justification”, the A·chik Youth Welfare Organisation (AYWO) has said in a letter to the Urban Affairs Minister.
The letter was dated May 1 but shared with the press today. In it the AYWO called for action from the minister to address the cancellation of the work orders. Some of the contractors affected had nearly completed their assigned projects. “This reckless decision not only disregards their substantial financial investments but also jeopardises their livelihoods, leaving them with no recourse to recover their losses,” AYWO general secretary Chankey Marak said.
Of grave concern is the fact that the sanctioned funds for these projects remain unaccounted for, the pressure group claimed, with no clear explanation provided. Marak also alleged that the Executive Engineer has been involved in awarding contracts to “ineligible non-tribals”.
The AYWO wants a thorough investigation, a detailed account of the sanctioned funds and their current status, transparent and impartial guidelines for work allotments and disciplinary proceedings against any official responsible for misconduct.
