Public outcry against Loktak scam
TEHELKA had reported that there were flagrant violation of government norms and undue favours during the process of selecting K-Pro Infra Works Private Ltd for the Rs 224 crore contract to clean Loktak lake.
According to the report, the state Chief Minister who is also the Chairman of the Loktak Development Authority had rubbished an earlier report of TEHELKA some two years back that a company which existed only on paper has been awarded the contract to clean up the lake. He had claimed the process to be fair and transparent.
Meanwhile reacting to the news report, the International Peace and Social Advancement, IPSA and the Ethno Heritage Council, HERICOUN have issued separate press releases demanding that the CBI be called in to investigate into the case.
Quoting the news report, an IPSA statement has questioned the government to clarify on its process of selecting a company which has a paid up capital of just Rs 10 lakh for a Rs 224 crore project.
The news report had said that Delhi-based firm K-Pro Infra Works Private Ltd was formed only on June 22, 2009 and has a paid-up capital of just Rs 10 lakh.
The IPSA statement further continued that only one company had showed interest in the project after the government invited tenders for the contract which reeks of underhand dealings in the selection process.
Reacting further to the news report, it said the government has treated the fishing community who were evacuated from the area recently in an unfair manner.
While further lamenting, it averred that the government’s act amounts to placing the financial interest of a few individuals above the lives of all the fishers of the Loktak lake who were evacuated and displaced just recently.
Demanding a clarification from the state Chief Minister on the issue at the earliest, IPSA has also demanded the government to bring in the CBI for investigation into the issue at the earliest.
Meanwhile, HERICOUN in a separate press release has condemned the scam as unfortunate and termed it as an unwarranted development.
Elaborating on the importance of the Loktak lake and its relation with Manipur and its people, HERICOUN said that losing Loktak Lake would be parallel to destroying the Manipuri society.
It has continued that the people of the state had rejoiced in unity when the government had announced to clean the lake.
Contrary to government's announcement, the Loktak Development Authority and the state Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has brewed up a scam involving huge amount of money.
It has also said that HERICOUN will not remain as silent spectators on the issue.
Demanding a CBI enquiry of the case, HERICOUN has also demanded clarification about certain things related to K-Pro Infra Works Pvt Ltd including the name under which the company has been registered, identification of the shareholders of the company, how the Loktak Lake cleaning contract was awarded to it.
It has also demanded clarification on how Hyderabad based Progressive Construction Limited was brought into the contract and allowed to work on a trial basis.
It has further appeal to the state Governor, political parties, social bodies and the people of the state to not take the issue lightly.
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