PDP-BJP government in Jammu and Kashmir sets up panel to probe delay in projects

The Jammu and Kashmir government has set up a panel to probe the delay and multi-fold cost escalation in certain projects including the construction of New Legislature Complex.

"The government has ordered constitution of a three-member committee to look into the reasons leading to delay and revision in the original cost of the projects, including the Legislature Complex, from Rs 104 crore to Rs 191 crore and Lawyers Chamber at Jammu, from Rs 10.17 crore to Rs 18.41 crore," an official spokesperson said.

The direction to set up a panel was given by Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs & Relief and Rehabilitation, Syed Basharat Bukhari, following his visit to the under-construction New Legislature Complex on Thursday.

"The committee comprises former Chief Engineer, PW(R&B), Kashmir, Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, Senior Architect, Farooq Ahmad Naqashbandi, Additional Secretary, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Achal Sethi," he said.

The committee shall look into the reasons for the cost escalation of these projects, deviation of BOQ and item rates from the original estimate and any other charge and item which is not conceived in the original cost and justification thereof. "The committee has been asked to submit its report by April 7, 2015," he said.