Why Were Two Engineers Suspended by Maha RDD Minister?
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Synopsis
Maharashtra's Rural Development Minister, Jaikumar Gore, has taken decisive action by suspending two engineers involved in questionable financial practices regarding public works. The inquiry sheds light on serious lapses in accountability within the department, promising further repercussions as the investigation unfolds.
Key Takeaways
- Two engineers suspended for irregular payments.
- Inquiry into construction practices underway.
- Government emphasizes accountability in public service.
- FDA targets substandard edible oil suppliers.
- Strict actions expected against food safety violations.
Mumbai, July 7 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Rural Development Minister, Jaikumar Gore, revealed on Monday during a state council meeting the suspension of two engineers from the public works departments operating under the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Zilla Parishad.
The department engineer and executive engineer faced suspension for disbursing Rs 1.47 crore to a contractor prior to the initiation of construction work for a school in Lasur village and a primary health centre in Gurdhanora village within Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
In response to inquiries from Satish Chavan (NCP) and the Leader of the Opposition, Ambadas Danve, Minister Gore indicated that further measures would be implemented against the implicated engineers following the conclusion of a departmental inquiry set to last two months.
Minister Gore highlighted that an assessment had been undertaken regarding the construction, revealing that the recorded measurements exceeded the actual work completed. Payments were authorized without the necessary photographic evidence and testing reports. These transactions occurred in violation of established procedures dictating the timing and method of payments.
In a related development, Narahari Zirwal, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) representative, declared the suspension of two departmental officers linked to the supply of inferior quality edible oil in the tribal-populated Nandurbar district of North Maharashtra. This suspension follows the department's inspection, which identified certain edible oil samples as substandard.
Zirwal informed the state assembly that actions would be initiated to shut down the company responsible for the production and distribution of the substandard edible oil. This announcement was made in response to queries posed by Shiv Sena legislators Amshaya Padvi, Sameer Kunawar, and Hiraman Khoskar.
During inspections, samples of Mahika brand refined soybean oil and Kamala brand peanut oil were collected for further analysis.
Preliminary findings indicated that these samples failed to meet food safety standards. Upon the seller's appeal, the samples have been forwarded to the Central Food Technological Research Institute in Mysore for reevaluation, stated Minister Zirwal.
In the year 2024-25, a total of 12 edible oil samples were examined in the Nandurbar district, with five classified as substandard. Action is currently underway under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, for two of these cases, while the remaining three await test results from the referral laboratory. Zirwal assured that stringent actions would be enforced against those breaching food safety regulations.
Point of View
It is crucial to emphasize the importance of accountability and transparency in government operations. The swift action taken by Minister Gore reflects a commitment to uphold standards in public service, ensuring that taxpayer money is utilized effectively and responsibly. This approach aligns with the broader national interest of fostering trust in governmental institutions.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the suspension of the two engineers?
The two engineers were suspended for approving a payment of Rs 1.47 crore to a contractor before the actual construction work began on a school and health centre.
What actions have been promised following the suspension?
Further actions against the involved engineers will be taken after the departmental inquiry concludes in two months.
What issues were reported regarding the construction work?
An inquiry revealed that payments were made without proper documentation, including photos and test reports, exceeding the actual work completed.
What is the status of the edible oil quality inspection?
The FDA announced the suspension of two officers linked to substandard edible oil supply, and samples have been sent for re-analysis.
What actions are being taken against the company responsible for inferior quality oil?
The FDA plans to initiate actions for the closure of the company producing and distributing the substandard edible oil.
