Statesman News Service
MALDA, Feb. 6: The proposal made by Malda zilla parishad (MZP) to engage NGOs and clubs on construction jobs has been rejected by the district administration amidst allegations by the Opposition of attempted corruption.
Sabhadhipati Mrs Yeasmin had initially proposed the plan to engage NGOs and clubs in construction work. She argued: “The NGOs are already working to utilise funds allotted to them by the MPs and MLAs, and the BADP (Border Area Development Project). Why not engage NGOs in construction work?” The sabhadhipati had also pointed out that previous MZP boards led by the CPI-M (1998-2003) and by Congress (2003 -08) had utilised funds through engaging NGOs.
On hearing the proposal, the district magistrate, Mr Sridhar Ghosh, had sought clarification on the matter from the principal secretary of the panchayat and rural development department. After receiving the government's view on the matter, the district magistrate rejected the MZP's proposals yesterday.
Mr Ghosh said: “NGOs are not contractors. Only enlisted contractors can be entrusted with construction jobs. All construction jobs must go through a proper system of tender which must be published on the appropriate website.”
Mrs Yeasmin called a Press conference today to clarify her actions after the rejection of the proposal.
“We simply made a proposal to the district magistrate and executive officer of the MZP. No work order was given to any NGO or club. And there is no question of any ‘tender’ cancelled by the district magistrate because of corruption charges aimed at the MZP,” she said.
The CPI-M MZP members and leaders have attempted to capitalize on the issue by claiming that the ruling Congress-BJP led board wanted to earn ‘cut money’ by giving orders to clubs and NGOs of their own choice for the construction of roads, toilets, maintenance of panchayat buildings and other schemes.
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