Handwara: Allegations are being levied against an official working in Power Development Department (PDD) division Handwara, for exacting specific commission in lieu of realisation of genuine bills by the contractors.
As learnt, an official is allegedly collecting significant commissions from PDD contractors operating in the Handwara area. The contractors are ostensibly instructed to deposit a three-percent commission into a specific account held by a Kiryana shop located in North Kashmir. “This account is believed to be used as a conduit for funnelling the collected funds to various individuals, including the official’s family members,” said a reliable source.
“Contractors have alleged that the official explicitly directs them to deposit the three-percent commission, with a stern warning that failure to comply will result in their bills not being passed. This situation has coerced many contractors into compliance to ensure the continuity of their projects and timely payments.”
A group of contractors have in the meantime urged the local authorities and anti-corruption agencies to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into the matter.
It is imperative that any individual found to be involved in such corrupt practices are held accountable, and measures put in place to prevent such abuse(s) of power in the future as the implications of such practices are profound, undermining the integrity of public institutions and eroding trust in the governance of public resources.
When contacted, an official said that they have received no proper complaint into the matter and once they will, an investigation will be accordingly initiated. ( Inputs Alfaaz- The Words)
