Dimapur, May 2 (EMN): The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) has sought an independent investigation into contract dealings referring to what the party said on Wednesday was an event that "exposed" the previous government approving the release of sanctioned 'amounts' (of funds) for payment of contractors without either issuing any work order or submission of any progress report.
The media and communication committee of the NDPP issued a statement to the media on May 2 putting to context the Public Works department (roads and bridges) apparently bringing to light matters regarding an alleged attempt to divert funds of the strategic road development plan (SRDP) for 2017-18.
The NDPP lauded the Public Works department for 'bringing to light the actual facts of the matter regarding the alleged attempt to divert funds under SRDP 2017-18.'
"The party expresses its gratitude to the department for following all the laid down procedures in a transparent manner towards according necessary administrative approval and sanctioning of the revised list of works," the organisation, currently in the ruling, stated.
The NDPP then threw the ball: "It has now been exposed that the previous government had approved the release of the sanctioned amounts towards payment to contractors without either issuing any work order or submission of any progress report."
The party declared: "In case of any lapses on the part of the department in following the laid down rules and procedures under the previous government, the NDPP calls for an independent and unbiased investigation and to initiate necessary disciplinary actions against those people guilty of such gross malpractices and at the same time exposes the misuse of power and government machinery by the then DAN (Democratic Alliance of Nagaland) government at the cost of the public."
The public funds, the party stated, were therefore released for payment to contractors 'without any work done which is a gross violation of government norms and serious violation of laid down rules.'
The organisation wondered about the persons under whose direction or pressure said action was taken. Likewise, the NDPP queried why public funds have had to be sanctioned for payment to contractors without following procedures for 'budgeted funds' without any work having being undertaken, and in violation of norms.
