There is visible disconnect between the estimated cost & quality of actual work done. Renovation of Science Block qualifies all parameters for probe by ACB
JAMMU: Known as weeping science block of government Maulana Azad Memorial College due to trickling of water from walls and roofs, the botched renovation worth 33 lakh on this dwindling structure has raised eyebrows among teaching faculty. Intriguingly, Principal Prof. Sunil Uppal instead of handing over the matter to investigation agency is allegedly devising ways and means to sweep this wasteful repairing work under carpet.
Due to aging, the entire science block of MAM College is facing long existing problem of water seepage from roofs and walls and strangely this problem still remains there even after spending Rs 33 lakh on it, told a teacher wishing his name not to be quoted fearing victimization from the officers of Higher Education Department.
If the intentions of Principal are pure then instead of sitting silent on the matter, he needs to set an example by handing over the matter to Anti Corruption Bureau as repair work executed by PWD agency is no way matching the amount of Rs 33 lakh on ground, he added.
Giving videos and pictures of leakage, the reliable sources in MAM College disclosed that several teachers including members of College Development Committee have expressed their dis-satisfaction over quality of repair work and even apprised the Principal Prof. Sunil Uppal about its poor quality. “We know that despite all the shortcomings in it, the amount will be released to the contractor as part of long prevailing practice and tradition, quipped a lady teacher on condition of anonymity.
“Even the floor tiles used by the contractor as part of renovation work in science block are of C grade which generally available in the market at Rs 20/sq ft, reveals insider. Entire renovation of this dwindling block is a wasteful expenditure as the PWD officials instead of declaring it as unsafe for operation in connivance with officials of HED devised a lucrative exercise of repairing it for reasons best known to everyone, told a another teacher of MAM college.
There is huge misappropriation of funds in renovation of science block which warrants attention of Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) for a probe. The cost of 33 lakh appears escalated and not at all compatible with repairing of roofs as well as floor tiles which collectively should not exceed Rs 15 lakh on higher side, said an officer of PWD confiding anonymity.
Criticizing the indiscriminate silence of the college Principal on repairing of science block, another teacher of the college avers “The matter about prevalence of seepage despite repair of roofs was brought into the notice of Principal, however, yet nothing on record has been initiated pertaining to poor quality of renovation work”
Fearing trapped in ACB net for questionable repair and renovation work in science block, even some of the members of College Development Committee are also not signing the assessment report of work executed by PWD contractor, said our reliable sources.
On being contacted, Principal MAM College, Prof. Sunil Uppal while bragging of his close proximity with IAS lobby, Judicial officers and media personals besides self appraisal said “Yet, the funds have not been released to the contractor as we are examining the issue of poor quality repair and renovation of science block” On being asked why teachers and some members of College Development Committee have serious doubts about disconnect in the estimated cost (33 lakh) and actually repair executed by the contractor, Dr. Uppal while shielding the PWD officials and contractor quip “ I am satisfied with the work”
JK Global News when contacted AEE of PWD, Kuldeep Gupta to know his views on the matter said “We heard about the leakage of roofs even after repairing which has been “rectified”. When, his attention was brought towards objections of a section of teachers about the quality of renovation work in science block; he replied “Since, there is no official communication from the college authority which shows the work is not only satisfactory but also justify its estimated cost”.