J&K Govt Orders Inquiry into Irregularities in PMGSY Road Projects in Poonch
Eight Engineers Under Scrutiny for Alleged Non-Compliance with Guidelines
Inquiry Officer Appointed, Report Expected Within 30 Days
Srinagar, June 20, KNT: The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered a formal inquiry into serious allegations of irregularities in the construction of multiple PMGSY road projects in Poonch district. The move comes in response to a complaint received by the Public Works Department, which flagged non-compliance with Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and violations of guidelines under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
The projects under scrutiny include the roads from Bonikhet to Chanasar (Package No. JK11-69), Chandimarh to Dogrian (Package No. JK11-44), Sailan to Mahara (Package No. JK-138), and the 7th kilometre stretch of 701 to Behramgalla (Package No. JK-161). These road packages, meant to improve rural connectivity, have come under the scanner after accusations emerged suggesting that the works were executed in deviation from approved specifications and government norms.
Following an internal review, the department served a memorandum of charges to eight engineers allegedly involved in the irregularities. The engineers—Er. Satish Kumar Bhagat, Er. Muhammad Parvaiz, Er. Manzoor Hussain, Er. Bikram Singh, Er. Showkat Ali, Er. Ashfaq Ahmad Mughal, Er. Anshul Bhagat, and Er. Madhu Sudan—were asked to submit their responses to the charges. However, after examining their replies, the department deemed them unsatisfactory.
As a result, the government has invoked Rule 33 of the Jammu & Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1956, and appointed Er. Kewal Kumar Atri, In-charge Superintending Engineer of PW (R&B) Circle Poonch, as the Inquiry Officer to probe the matter. Er. Shakeel Ahmed, Incharge Executive Engineer, PMGSY Division Poonch, will act as the Presenting Officer in the case.
According to the government order, the Inquiry Officer has been directed to complete the investigation and submit a detailed report within 30 days. The inquiry is expected to be conducted with full procedural fairness, ensuring all the accused engineers are given an opportunity to be heard. The officer has also been empowered to record statements from stakeholders if necessary to ascertain facts.
The government’s decision reflects a broader push for transparency and accountability in infrastructure development projects. It also signals a firm stance against lapses that could compromise the quality and integrity of public works, especially those aimed at improving rural connectivity in remote regions. The outcome of the inquiry will be keenly watched, not just in Poonch, but across the region, where numerous PMGSY projects are currently underway. [KNT]
