In a significant crackdown on alleged corruption, the Punjab government has suspended seven engineers of the Amritsar Improvement Trust (AIT) over suspected irregularities in a high-value tender worth Rs 52.80 crore. The action, taken on the year's last day, underscores the Bhagwant Mann-led administration's firm stance against malpractice in civic projects.
The Suspension Order and Key Officials Named
The decisive move came through an order issued on December 30 by Local Government Secretary Manjeet Singh Brar. The suspended officials include Satbhushan Sachdeva (Executive Engineer), Raminderpal Singh and Bikram Singh (Trust Engineers), Sukhrippal Singh, Shubham Pipesh, and Manpreet Singh (Assistant Trust Engineers), and Mandeep Singh (Junior Engineer).
The order, framed under the Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeals) Rules of 1970, mandates that the suspended engineers report to the headquarters of the Local Government Department in Chandigarh for the duration of their suspension.
Probe Triggered by Contractor's Complaint
The suspensions are a direct outcome of a detailed inquiry initiated following complaints by Seegal India Limited. The firm raised serious objections about flaws in the tender process for the Ranjit Avenue development project.
Amritsar Deputy Commissioner subsequently constituted a four-member investigation committee to look into the allegations. "Action has been taken based on the committee's report," confirmed Kiranjeet Singh Rintu, Chairman of the Amritsar Improvement Trust. He elaborated that the issue began with complaints among contractors, which were then escalated to the Chief Secretary, who ordered the inquiry.
This case is linked to the earlier suspension of Vigilance SSP Lakhbir Singh, indicating a widening probe into the affair.
Chairman Defends Project, Cites Property Value
When questioned about the focus on developing affluent areas like Ranjit Avenue compared to underserved localities such as Jahajgarh, Chairman Rintu defended the project's allocation. He argued that the land value in Ranjit Avenue, estimated at Rs four to five lakh per yard, justified the substantial investment. He assured that development work is concurrently progressing in other parts of the city as well.
Rintu also provided context regarding previous tender cancellations, attributing them to a change in the political administration. He stated that when a different political official assumed charge, the Deputy Commissioner cancelled all previously placed tenders, including the one now under scrutiny.
The copies of the suspension order have been disseminated to the Local Government Director, the Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Urban Development), and relevant Trust officials for necessary compliance. Authorities have indicated that the investigation remains active, leaving room for further disciplinary measures.
