PANJIM: Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho has allayed apprehensions that panchayats will be completely isolated from works undertaken in their respective villages.
He said that files which were earlier being referred to PWD for getting technical sanction involving abnormal delay has been cut short by creating a Technical Cell in the Department.
“As the development works are to be taken up with the financial assistance received from Government of India. They have stipulated the condition that the funds can be utilised by following the CPWD Norms prescribed by Government Of India,” the minister said explaining that powers of Panchayats as laid in 2006 Circular which was followed has remained unchanged in the new Circular dated August 17, 2020.
Godinho stated that panchayats would forward resolution to the office of Block Division Officer wherein junior engineer (JE) will prepare the estimate along with officials at Technical Cell.
“Executive Engineer (EE) will accord Technical Sanction and Approve NIT, and will then return to the village panchayats for tendering through BDO who will be giving administrative approval and expenditure sanction,” he added.
The power to propose or taking up of works will continue to remain with village panchayats. So also, powers to issue work order will remain with the panchayats.
“After opening of tender the Panchayats will make competitive statement and forward to EE through BDO Office. The EE Will approve competitive statement and then return to the sarpanch, Village Panchayats for issue of work order,” he further explained adding, “Once work is completed, the Panchayats will forward the completion letter to BDO Office, JE will record the MB and forward to EE for test check through BDO. EE will test check on the bills and send to Sarpanch, Village Panchayats for payment.”
Similarly, he clarified that powers to make payments to contactors will also be vested with the panchayats.
