Opposition leaders in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday alleged that the civic administration was trying to protect its corrupt officers and tainted contractors involved in the shoddy construction of 234 roads.
Ravi Raja, leader of the Opposition in the corporation, said in the General Body meeting, “The BMC is trying to protect its corrupt officials. In the BMC’s inquiry into earlier irregularities like the storm water drain scam, the inquiry was completed within months, criminal action was taken against guilty officials and contractors were blacklisted. None of this has been done in the ₹1,700-crore road scam. The BMC should have filed criminal complaints against its officials.”
Municipal Commissioner Ajoy Mehta recently penalised 96 of the 100 engineers charged with dereliction of supervisory duties, by stopping increments and promotions.
Mr. Raja said the guilty contractors continue to work on civic projects. “Why does the BMC not recover its losses from the contractor, with ₹650 crore still pending with him?” he asked.
Additional municipal commissioner I.A. Kundu said the inquiry was being conducted in phases. The first phase was over and action had been taken, the second phase would be completed by January 31. Inquiry is pending into about 200 of the 234 road works.
Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar ordered that the inquiry committee report be tabled before all corporators before discussions.
