Jharkhand Minister Orders Debarment of Delayed Road Contractors, Focus on Quality

Ranchi: State rural development department minister Deepika Pandey Singh on Wednesday directed officials to debar agencies and contractors who have failed to complete road construction works for extended periods. Singh also warned that such firms will no longer be able to secure fresh assignments in the state easily.

At a review meeting, Singh sought district-wise updates on road and bridge projects and found several schemes pending for an extended period. She ordered preparation of a state-level list of defaulting agencies and contractors and directed officials to expedite the debarment process. She also directed scrutiny of projects where rate revisions were granted in recent months amid concerns that some works were being deliberately delayed to claim revised rates.

“There would be absolutely no compromise on negligence and quality in road construction,” Singh said. She further said complaints from MLAs regarding irregularities and demands for new roads must be addressed within a fixed timeframe. The minister also ordered preparation of a list of damaged bridges before the monsoon and called for speedy repairs.

Reviewing several schemes run by the department, the minister asked officials to identify land for Palash Mart in six districts and promote rural entrepreneurship for women. She stressed timely release of final instalments under Abua Awas, for which Rs 4,100 crore was allocated.

Department secretary Manoj Kumar said districts must send lists of contractors who have not completed road works for 1 to 1.5 years, and an SOP on rate revision will be prepared.