Rajesh Gupta
New Delhi, May 24: THE Centre Govt has asked the 100 teams of Central Nodal Officers (CNOs) deputed for ground inspection of Jal Jeevan Mission schemes to scrutinise records related to the design, planning and cost of works and to do on-spot excavation on any sample stretch of pipeline and check whether the pipe material is as per the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
In meeting with Minister, MPs flag irregularities in Jal Jeevan scheme, call for probe to identify reasons for cost overrun, the CNOs have been asked to compare the original sanctioned cost with revised estimate or completion cost.
They have been asked to seek cost records and escalation notes from the state government officials and mention specific components responsible for cost hike. The CNOs would also seek written justifications” and approval from the authority for the cost escalations.
Where the CNOs find an increase in the cost of the JJM schemes, they would examine the DPR and minutes of the meeting of the State Level Scheme Sanctioning Committees .
On May 19, the Government announced 100 teams of CNOs for “ground inspection” of the JJM schemes across the country. The move followed a meeting chaired by the Cabinet Secretary on May 8 to review the mission’s schemes.
An order was issued by the Department of Personnel and Training, deputing 99 IAS officers to inspect as many as 183 schemes across 135 districts in 29 states and Union Territories.
A ‘ground inspection’ of work orders in different places will give a picture not just of the costs involved in executing the job, but also the quality of work.
Sources said that Teams likely to visit J&K also , where House Committee already constituted over irregularities in JJM Scheme.
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