SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered a probe into alleged irregularities, illegal gratification and undue delay in releasing contractors’ payments at Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC).
Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD), has constituted a two-member committee comprising Special Secretary, HUDD Vikas, and Joint Commissioner (Administration), SMC, Nuzhat Khurshid Qurashi to investigate the allegations.
This follows a representation submitted by Jhelum Valley Constructional Contractors Association to HUDD alleging serious “irregularities in the functioning of the office of Financial Advisor/ Chief Accounts Officer, SMC”.
“It has been alleged that contractors are being compelled to personally approach the office of the Advisor/ Chief Accounts Officer for processing their claims. Undue delays are caused in releasing payments and illegal gratification is demanded for the processing and release of bills, thereby defeating the objectives of transparency and accountability,” said the order issued by HUDD on July 9.
The Probe Committee was asked to submit the report within 10 days. It has been more than a month since the probe was ordered by the government. Repeated attempts by The Kashmir Monitor to contact SMC for comments did not yield fruit.
The committee was asked to examine six points related to the allegations. “Whether the prescribed procedure under BEAMS, JKPaySys, the General Financial Rules, Government Financial Code, Treasury rules and instructions issued by the Finance Department relating to electronic processing and release of payments have been duly followed,” the order said.
Probe Committee has also been asked to look into whether there has been any avoidable delay in processing or release of contractors’ payments.
“Whether there is any evidence supporting the allegations of demand of illegal gratification or abuse of official position by an officer or officials. Whether adequate internal financial controls, record management practices, and accountability mechanisms are in place within SMC for processing contractors’ payments,” the order said.
The inquiry officer was asked to submit a factual report together with findings and recommendations to HUDD within 10 days from the issuance of the order. “The fact-finding report shall be without prejudice to any disciplinary, administrative, vigilance, criminal proceedings that may be initiated by the competent authority,” the order said