Ajay Sharma
Reasi, December 27: Despite the passage of several months, numerous tenders issued by the Rural Engineering Wing (REW), a part of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department (RDD), under the CapEx Budget remain unopened or unallotted, sparking frustration among locals.
Sources revealed that tenders have been lying pending for over a month and a half without being opened.
“In some cases where tenders were opened, the allotment process remains stalled, leaving crucial projects, including bridges, roads, and sheds, incomplete,” said an insider, adding that the department cites a lack of funds as the primary reason for the delays.
Sources questioned the rationale behind issuing tenders without ensuring budgetary provisions.
Speaking to ‘The Northlines’, contractors, on condition of anonymity, expressed their concerns over what they described as a lack of accountability within REW.
“There are many projects where tenders have been in limbo for two months,” said a contractor. “As December nears its end, we have no clarity on when these stalled projects will resume.”
They further stated that this situation contradicts the government’s promises of development.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha often stress the importance of infrastructure growth as a cornerstone of governance,” said a contractor, “but here, REW officials seem to be working in the opposite direction.”
Contractors have urged the Finance Department and senior officials to intervene promptly.
“If no action is taken soon, we will be left with no choice but to protest for our rights,” a contractor warned.
