Shillong, Sep 18: Jackiqus D Sangma a social activist from East Garo Hills, has alleged that officials of the Fisheries Department in Williamnagar are themselves working as contractors for department works, in violation of service rules, and has threatened to move the Meghalaya Lokayukta if no action is taken within 20 days.
In a press statement today, Sangma said RTI information obtained from the office of the Superintendent of Fisheries, East Garo Hills proves that three government works are being executed by officials of the same department. The works are construction of a training centre near Williamnagar main market, concrete fish pond near Green Yard School in the Fishery compound and watch tower at Adugre Community Fish Sanctuary.
“I have obtained RTI information from the Fisheries Department itself which proves that the officials of the department are themselves working as contractors,” he alleged.
Sangma alleged that a serving Junior Engineer of the department is executing his own department’s works as contractor while the Superintendent of Fisheries, who is the supervising officer, is allowing it. He said a formal complaint was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner on September 10 but no action has been initiated till date.
Terming it a direct breach of Meghalaya Services (Conduct) Rules and misuse of public office, Sangma said when the executor and the supervisor are from the same office, quality, measurement and billing cannot be transparent. He said genuine contractors are being deprived and there is no independent third-party check as the same person is both bill maker and bill receiver.
