Biometrics attendance on cards
BILAL HUSSAIN
To bring efficiency in the system the Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA)—special purpose vehicle (SPV) for implementation of externally aided projects— would soon be installing biometric attendance devices in their offices.
The paper timesheets would be replaced with a biometrics reader. The ERA employees would swipe an ID card through the reader and places a finger on a fingerprint scanner, at the beginning and end of the work period. “The fingerprint reader data would be copied regularly to a computer running a time attendance software application that will automatically create timesheets for each employee,” said Saqib Bisati, Network Administrator at Economic Reconstruction Agency.
Using biometrics to automate the collection of time and attendance data can reduce manual data review and correction time, and payroll error. Hand-Punch terminals are used in more biometric time and attendance systems than any other biometric technology, Bisati asserts.
To begin with, the agency is planning to install biometric devices in Srinagar office and expects that it would bring in effectiveness in the over system at ERA. In this regard the administrate officer of ERA has issued an order seeking forms from the employees. “We have received 40 per cent forms from our employees. By Monday we expect to collect all forms,” Bisati said.
In the second phase ERA expects to setup biometric attendance machines on the projects across the state. “Hopefully, we would soon work out plans for setting of biometric attendance devices at live projects to ensure 100 per cent attendance,” he believes.
The agency anticipates that the new attendance system would ensure timely completion of the projects in the state. To mention Kashmir Times earlier reported that the major portion of total 83 contract packages were work had been allotted to various contractors, which amounts to package value of Rs 1119.34 crore have not been completed. At present 69 per cent of the projects have alerts. According to sources in the agency the key reason in delays in completion of the projects is due to the frequent change of head adding that the additional charge also affected the functioning of the projects.
The project ‘MPIR loan 2151-IND’ is first externally aided project funded by ADB. The estimated cost of the Project is Rs 1611 crores. ADB loan component is Rs 1125 crore and counter part fund component is Rs 486 crores. Counter Part fund is borne by government of India under PMRP. Project completion period was June 2009. Government of India has been requested for extension of project completion period till June 2010 and subsequently GOI has recommended extension to ADB.
Showing posts with label Economic Reconstruction Agency. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Economic Reconstruction Agency. Show all posts
ERA OF BROKEN PROMISES
Nishat-Doodh Ganga water supply project awaits completion
3 yrs on, ERA fails to complete 15-month project
BILAL HUSSAIN
For fifteen months contract assignment, it took Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA)—special purpose vehicle for implementation of externally aided projects—over three years to complete 60 per cent of the work on the project.
The project of Nishat water supply-replacement/realignment of tale Manzil transmission mains and Doodganga water supply-improvement and extension of transmission main is awarded to Pratibha Industries on July 11, 2007. The work on the contract started on August 20, 2007, which was earlier supposed to be completed on October 17, 2008. It was further extended till August 19, 2009 and the same is not complete till date, official sources said.
The project is funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under loan package of 2151-IND, having 21.9 Kms scope.
The contract work is expected to cost Rs 19.69 crore, as of now the ERA has spent Rs 14.21 crore on it. June 2010
Assistant Project Manager Water Supply, Mohammad Maqbool Wani, told Kashmir Times that the deadline for the project was extended till June 2010 and about 65 per cent of physical work is completed.
On the achievements side procurement of materials and equipment are in progress and 11.3 kms have procured total length of doodganga line to be laid is 11675 mts.
The alignment for line from Nishat via Taley manzil has been finalized.
Earlier Kashmir Times reported that the major portion of total 83 contract packages were work had been allotted to various contractors, which amounts to package value of Rs 1119.34 crore have not been completed. . At present 69 per cent of the projects have alerts. According to sources in the agency the key reason in delays in completion of the projects is due to the frequent change of head adding that the additional charge also affected the functioning of the projects.
To mention, the project ‘MPIR loan 2151-IND’ is first externally aided project funded by ADB. The estimated cost of the Project is Rs 1611 crores. ADB loan component is Rs 1125 crore and counter part fund component is Rs 486 crores. Counter Part fund is borne by government of India under PMRP. Project completion period was June 2009. Government of India has been requested for extension of project completion period till June 2010 and subsequently GOI has recommended extension to ADB.
3 yrs on, ERA fails to complete 15-month project
BILAL HUSSAIN
For fifteen months contract assignment, it took Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA)—special purpose vehicle for implementation of externally aided projects—over three years to complete 60 per cent of the work on the project.
The project of Nishat water supply-replacement/realignment of tale Manzil transmission mains and Doodganga water supply-improvement and extension of transmission main is awarded to Pratibha Industries on July 11, 2007. The work on the contract started on August 20, 2007, which was earlier supposed to be completed on October 17, 2008. It was further extended till August 19, 2009 and the same is not complete till date, official sources said.
The project is funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under loan package of 2151-IND, having 21.9 Kms scope.
The contract work is expected to cost Rs 19.69 crore, as of now the ERA has spent Rs 14.21 crore on it. June 2010
Assistant Project Manager Water Supply, Mohammad Maqbool Wani, told Kashmir Times that the deadline for the project was extended till June 2010 and about 65 per cent of physical work is completed.
On the achievements side procurement of materials and equipment are in progress and 11.3 kms have procured total length of doodganga line to be laid is 11675 mts.
The alignment for line from Nishat via Taley manzil has been finalized.
Earlier Kashmir Times reported that the major portion of total 83 contract packages were work had been allotted to various contractors, which amounts to package value of Rs 1119.34 crore have not been completed. . At present 69 per cent of the projects have alerts. According to sources in the agency the key reason in delays in completion of the projects is due to the frequent change of head adding that the additional charge also affected the functioning of the projects.
To mention, the project ‘MPIR loan 2151-IND’ is first externally aided project funded by ADB. The estimated cost of the Project is Rs 1611 crores. ADB loan component is Rs 1125 crore and counter part fund component is Rs 486 crores. Counter Part fund is borne by government of India under PMRP. Project completion period was June 2009. Government of India has been requested for extension of project completion period till June 2010 and subsequently GOI has recommended extension to ADB.
Rs 10.94 cr ADB’s road contract package ignores deadline
Jehangir Chowk-SKIMS, Batmaloo-Tengpora road projects unfinished
BILAL HUSSAIN
After three and half years the Jehangir Chowk-SKIMS road, Batmaloo-Tengpora road contract projects are incomplete till date. The project cost has escalated from Rs 10crores to about Rs 30 crores, official sources said.
The contract which was signed on December 26, 2006 and the work on the project was started on January 31, 2007. According to the contract, the project completion period was estimated to be around 18 months. Earlier, the completion date as per contract was August 21, 2008 which was subsequently extended and the last revised date of completion was set December 31, 2009.
The project is awarded to Kamal Builders, has 10.1 Kms scope of work the contract cost was Rs 10 crores, which is funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under loan package of 2151-IND. The dynamic cost of it was Rs 10.94 crores. As of now Rs 13.4977 crores has be expended on the project and is expected to go further up to Rs 30 crores, which means 3 folds increase compared to what has been estimated by the SPAN consultants— specialist in Asian Development Bank projects— sources said..
There are some handling issues faced by the contractors like: shifting of electric poles, which are partly completed. “Balance work shall be completed after acquisition of land and structures with Power Development Department,” official sources said.
Another issue confronting the project is that of land acquisition: Land measuring 2.72 marlas has been acquired. “Land owners are demanding rehabilitation for houses and shops,” official sources said.
However, the physical achievement of the contract is meager 58 per cent as of date, while on the financial front the project crosses 123 per cent expenditure, due to initial low estimates by the SPAN consultants, sources said.
The laying of Bitumionus macadum of main carriage way from Jehangir chowk to Sekidafar chowk has been completed. Laying of DBM from Jehangir chowk to Sekidafar chowk is also completed. Construction of drain on Dr. Alijan road near Idgah, central is on verge of completion.
Widening by way of earth work and laying/consolidation of GSB on Batmaloo Tengpora road completed for aggregated length of 850 mtrs on both sides. Laying of BM and DBM Batmallo-Tangpora road completed for aggregate length of 850 mtrs. However, laying of WBM G-II, excavating and refilling in layer's UEED trunk sewer line for river bed material is still in progress.
Head consultant for entire Kashmir region for SPAN consultants, A K Raina, told Kashmir Times that over 7 Kms stretch road was dug by the UEED and PHE departments, which changed the whole geography of the project. “They uprooted the whole systems on the roads like electoral poles, drainage and other facilities that changed the item of work and the quantity of the whole contract as well,” he said
Earlier Kashmir Times reported that the major portion of total 83 contract packages were work had been allotted to various contractors, which amounts to package value of Rs 1119.34 crore have not been completed. . At present 69 per cent of the projects have alerts. According to sources in the agency the key reason in delays in completion of the projects is due to the frequent change of head adding that the additional charge also affected the functioning of the projects.
To mention, the project ‘MPIR loan 2151-IND’ is first externally aided project funded by ADB. The estimated cost of the Project is Rs 1611 crores. ADB loan component is Rs 1125 crore and counter part fund component is Rs 486 crores. Counter Part fund is borne by government of India under PMRP. Project completion period was June 2009. Government of India has been requested for extension of project completion period till June 2010 and subsequently GOI has recommended extension to ADB.
BILAL HUSSAIN
After three and half years the Jehangir Chowk-SKIMS road, Batmaloo-Tengpora road contract projects are incomplete till date. The project cost has escalated from Rs 10crores to about Rs 30 crores, official sources said.
The contract which was signed on December 26, 2006 and the work on the project was started on January 31, 2007. According to the contract, the project completion period was estimated to be around 18 months. Earlier, the completion date as per contract was August 21, 2008 which was subsequently extended and the last revised date of completion was set December 31, 2009.
The project is awarded to Kamal Builders, has 10.1 Kms scope of work the contract cost was Rs 10 crores, which is funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under loan package of 2151-IND. The dynamic cost of it was Rs 10.94 crores. As of now Rs 13.4977 crores has be expended on the project and is expected to go further up to Rs 30 crores, which means 3 folds increase compared to what has been estimated by the SPAN consultants— specialist in Asian Development Bank projects— sources said..
There are some handling issues faced by the contractors like: shifting of electric poles, which are partly completed. “Balance work shall be completed after acquisition of land and structures with Power Development Department,” official sources said.
Another issue confronting the project is that of land acquisition: Land measuring 2.72 marlas has been acquired. “Land owners are demanding rehabilitation for houses and shops,” official sources said.
However, the physical achievement of the contract is meager 58 per cent as of date, while on the financial front the project crosses 123 per cent expenditure, due to initial low estimates by the SPAN consultants, sources said.
The laying of Bitumionus macadum of main carriage way from Jehangir chowk to Sekidafar chowk has been completed. Laying of DBM from Jehangir chowk to Sekidafar chowk is also completed. Construction of drain on Dr. Alijan road near Idgah, central is on verge of completion.
Widening by way of earth work and laying/consolidation of GSB on Batmaloo Tengpora road completed for aggregated length of 850 mtrs on both sides. Laying of BM and DBM Batmallo-Tangpora road completed for aggregate length of 850 mtrs. However, laying of WBM G-II, excavating and refilling in layer's UEED trunk sewer line for river bed material is still in progress.
Head consultant for entire Kashmir region for SPAN consultants, A K Raina, told Kashmir Times that over 7 Kms stretch road was dug by the UEED and PHE departments, which changed the whole geography of the project. “They uprooted the whole systems on the roads like electoral poles, drainage and other facilities that changed the item of work and the quantity of the whole contract as well,” he said
Earlier Kashmir Times reported that the major portion of total 83 contract packages were work had been allotted to various contractors, which amounts to package value of Rs 1119.34 crore have not been completed. . At present 69 per cent of the projects have alerts. According to sources in the agency the key reason in delays in completion of the projects is due to the frequent change of head adding that the additional charge also affected the functioning of the projects.
To mention, the project ‘MPIR loan 2151-IND’ is first externally aided project funded by ADB. The estimated cost of the Project is Rs 1611 crores. ADB loan component is Rs 1125 crore and counter part fund component is Rs 486 crores. Counter Part fund is borne by government of India under PMRP. Project completion period was June 2009. Government of India has been requested for extension of project completion period till June 2010 and subsequently GOI has recommended extension to ADB.
‘ERA to miss deadline on ADB contract package’
Natipora-Nowgam, Newa-Pulwama road projects incomplete
BILAL HUSSAIN
The contract packages worth Rs 27.27 crore of Natipora-Nowgam in Budgam and Newa-Pulwama Road in Pulwama districts of the Kashmir valley executed by the Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA)—special purpose vehicle for implementation of externally aided projects— is expected to get further delayed. About 70 per cent contract progress on the project till date, as per the official website of ERA.
The project on two roads of length 23.79 Km is funded by the Asian Development Bank under loan package of 2151-IND. According to the official website of ERA, as of date Rs 15.0919 cr is expended on the contact as of now. The BJCL firm has been awarded the contract on May 15, 2007 and the work started on June 13, 2007. As per the initial agreement the project was expected to be completed on July 10, 2009. However, the date of completion of the project was revised to September 30, 2010.
According to the official information there are few handling issues like utility shifting with PDD, “huge utility shifting involved which is required to be taken at higher level.”
“Land acquisition: section 4 issued. File likely to be submitted to DC (Pulwama) for conducting of PNC for 4 marlas of land at Parigam.”
Laying of wet mix and DBM for length of 12.60 kms completed and BM for a length of 2.5 kms completed is the achievement as of date.
The project completion period for the ADB’s first project to Jammu and Kashmir, Multi-sector Project for Infrastructure Rehabilitation (MPIR) is June 2011. Earlier project completion date was June 2009. Government of India has been requested for extension of project completion period till June 2011 and subsequently GOI has recommended extension to ADB.
Earlier Kashmir Times reported that the major portion of total 83 contract packages were work had been allotted to various contractors, which amounts to package value of Rs 1119.34 crore have not been completed. . At present 69 per cent of the projects have alerts. According to sources in the agency the key reason in delays in completion of the projects is due to the frequent change of head adding that the additional charge also affected the functioning of the projects.
To mention, the project ‘MPIR loan 2151-IND’ is first externally aided project funded by ADB. The estimated cost of the Project is Rs 1611 crores. ADB loan component is Rs 1125 crore and counter part fund component is Rs 486 crores. Counter Part fund is borne by government of India under PMRP. Project completion period was June 2009. Government of India has been requested for extension of project completion period till June 2010 and subsequently GOI has recommended extension to ADB.
BILAL HUSSAIN
The contract packages worth Rs 27.27 crore of Natipora-Nowgam in Budgam and Newa-Pulwama Road in Pulwama districts of the Kashmir valley executed by the Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA)—special purpose vehicle for implementation of externally aided projects— is expected to get further delayed. About 70 per cent contract progress on the project till date, as per the official website of ERA.
The project on two roads of length 23.79 Km is funded by the Asian Development Bank under loan package of 2151-IND. According to the official website of ERA, as of date Rs 15.0919 cr is expended on the contact as of now. The BJCL firm has been awarded the contract on May 15, 2007 and the work started on June 13, 2007. As per the initial agreement the project was expected to be completed on July 10, 2009. However, the date of completion of the project was revised to September 30, 2010.
According to the official information there are few handling issues like utility shifting with PDD, “huge utility shifting involved which is required to be taken at higher level.”
“Land acquisition: section 4 issued. File likely to be submitted to DC (Pulwama) for conducting of PNC for 4 marlas of land at Parigam.”
Laying of wet mix and DBM for length of 12.60 kms completed and BM for a length of 2.5 kms completed is the achievement as of date.
The project completion period for the ADB’s first project to Jammu and Kashmir, Multi-sector Project for Infrastructure Rehabilitation (MPIR) is June 2011. Earlier project completion date was June 2009. Government of India has been requested for extension of project completion period till June 2011 and subsequently GOI has recommended extension to ADB.
Earlier Kashmir Times reported that the major portion of total 83 contract packages were work had been allotted to various contractors, which amounts to package value of Rs 1119.34 crore have not been completed. . At present 69 per cent of the projects have alerts. According to sources in the agency the key reason in delays in completion of the projects is due to the frequent change of head adding that the additional charge also affected the functioning of the projects.
To mention, the project ‘MPIR loan 2151-IND’ is first externally aided project funded by ADB. The estimated cost of the Project is Rs 1611 crores. ADB loan component is Rs 1125 crore and counter part fund component is Rs 486 crores. Counter Part fund is borne by government of India under PMRP. Project completion period was June 2009. Government of India has been requested for extension of project completion period till June 2010 and subsequently GOI has recommended extension to ADB.
5 heads roll in 5 years
‘ERA to miss deadline on ADB contract package’
BILAL HUSSAIN
During the five years of establishment of the Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA)—special purpose vehicle (SPV) for implementation of externally aided projects— saw five Chief Executive Officers (CEO) since its launch in 2005.
According to the experts and reliable sources in the agency frequent change of heads for such an SPV would mean further delay in execution of the projects funded by Asian Development Bank (ADB). Project completion period for the ADB’s first project to Jammu and Kashmir, Multi-sector Project for Infrastructure Rehabilitation (MPIR) is June 2011. Earlier project completion date was June 2009. Government of India has been requested for extension of project completion period till June 2011 and subsequently GOI has recommended extension to ADB.
The portfolio of CEO, ERA is offered to state officials in addition to their already state engagements. AT present the CEO post is managed by BB Vyas, who apart from the position also holds post of commissioner secretary planning and development. Before BB Vyas the post was handed over to S L Baht, who also at that time held some other post in the government.
Earlier Kashmir Times reported that the major portion of total 83 contract packages were work had been allotted to various contractors, which amounts to package value of Rs 1119.34 crore have not been completed. . At present 69 per cent of the projects have alerts. According to sources in the agency the key reason in delays in completion of the projects is due to the frequent change of head adding that the additional charge also affected the functioning of the projects.
The SPV is still in its infancy and is not prepared to deal with ‘leadership transition’ to minimize the damaging effects of change.
Frequent fundamental change like that of CEO hurts an organization. “I don’t know how an organization gains any type of momentum with such frequent leadership changes, because each one comes in with a new vision or strategy,” said an expert who wished not to be named. But changes in the CEO spot most a times prove catastrophic.
Economic experts here believe that the unmoved approach of the state government has threatened the on time completion of the projects in the state. “The first project funded by the ADB is yet to be completed and has already crossed the set deadline by the funding agency,” said an official ERA wishing anonymity.
Many officials in the agency told Kashmir Times that earlier three CEOs held the full fledged charge of ERA and were full time with the agency.
The first to head the ERA was B R Singh, who was full time with the agency followed by
Vijay Bakaya, who also was full time at ERA and the last to hold the CEO portfolio for full time was Punkaj Jain. After Jain the state government started to send the government officials on deputation to head ERA, which according to the management experts is not good for the organizations.
To mention, the project ‘MPIR loan 2151-IND’ is first externally aided project funded by ADB. The estimated cost of the Project is Rs 1611 crores. ADB loan component is Rs 1125 crore and counter part fund component is Rs 486 crores. Counter Part fund is borne by government of India under PMRP. Project completion period was June 2009. Government of India has been requested for extension of project completion period till June 2010 and subsequently GOI has recommended extension to ADB.
BILAL HUSSAIN
During the five years of establishment of the Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA)—special purpose vehicle (SPV) for implementation of externally aided projects— saw five Chief Executive Officers (CEO) since its launch in 2005.
According to the experts and reliable sources in the agency frequent change of heads for such an SPV would mean further delay in execution of the projects funded by Asian Development Bank (ADB). Project completion period for the ADB’s first project to Jammu and Kashmir, Multi-sector Project for Infrastructure Rehabilitation (MPIR) is June 2011. Earlier project completion date was June 2009. Government of India has been requested for extension of project completion period till June 2011 and subsequently GOI has recommended extension to ADB.
The portfolio of CEO, ERA is offered to state officials in addition to their already state engagements. AT present the CEO post is managed by BB Vyas, who apart from the position also holds post of commissioner secretary planning and development. Before BB Vyas the post was handed over to S L Baht, who also at that time held some other post in the government.
Earlier Kashmir Times reported that the major portion of total 83 contract packages were work had been allotted to various contractors, which amounts to package value of Rs 1119.34 crore have not been completed. . At present 69 per cent of the projects have alerts. According to sources in the agency the key reason in delays in completion of the projects is due to the frequent change of head adding that the additional charge also affected the functioning of the projects.
The SPV is still in its infancy and is not prepared to deal with ‘leadership transition’ to minimize the damaging effects of change.
Frequent fundamental change like that of CEO hurts an organization. “I don’t know how an organization gains any type of momentum with such frequent leadership changes, because each one comes in with a new vision or strategy,” said an expert who wished not to be named. But changes in the CEO spot most a times prove catastrophic.
Economic experts here believe that the unmoved approach of the state government has threatened the on time completion of the projects in the state. “The first project funded by the ADB is yet to be completed and has already crossed the set deadline by the funding agency,” said an official ERA wishing anonymity.
Many officials in the agency told Kashmir Times that earlier three CEOs held the full fledged charge of ERA and were full time with the agency.
The first to head the ERA was B R Singh, who was full time with the agency followed by
Vijay Bakaya, who also was full time at ERA and the last to hold the CEO portfolio for full time was Punkaj Jain. After Jain the state government started to send the government officials on deputation to head ERA, which according to the management experts is not good for the organizations.
To mention, the project ‘MPIR loan 2151-IND’ is first externally aided project funded by ADB. The estimated cost of the Project is Rs 1611 crores. ADB loan component is Rs 1125 crore and counter part fund component is Rs 486 crores. Counter Part fund is borne by government of India under PMRP. Project completion period was June 2009. Government of India has been requested for extension of project completion period till June 2010 and subsequently GOI has recommended extension to ADB.
69 per cent of ADB contract packages have alerts
Work on 57 out of 83 projects incomplete
BILAL HUSSAIN
Fifty seven projects out of total eighty three contract package works that had been allotted by the Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA)—special purpose vehicle for implementation of externally aided projects— have alerts. At present 69 per cent of the projects have alerts as mentioned on the ERA website.
Those contract packages have alert tags were work is pending due to one or other reason. Blockades for the projects could be utility shifting, long term issues, land acquisition, social issues, and many others issues. The major portion of total 83 contract packages were work had been allotted to various contractors, which amounts to package value of Rs 1119.34 crore have not been completed.
On of the contract package of Qazigund-Kulgam road has a alerts due to utility shifting with Power Development Department (PDD). “Electric shifting yet to be taken (Payment made to electric dept),” ERA website mentions.
Another alert is due to social issues: “SRP approved by ADB on 23rd January, 2008. SRP implementation pending for payment of assistance as details is awaited from collector LA ERA.” Work on the contracts started on July 25, 2006. Original completion date already over on July 25, 2008 and the revised date assigned September 30, 2009.
Second contract, Natipora-Nowgam and Newa-Pulwama road has alerts due to utility shifting with PDD: “Huge utility shifting involved (Required to be taken at higher level)”. On land acquisition: “pending with collector ERA”. The contract started on June 13, 2007 and the original completion date already is over July 10, 2009.
Third contract from Jammu division, Udhampur–Ramnagar road has alert due to land acquisition: “Under process on Tawi Bridge and Ritti Bridge approaches and at other places.” Another alert is due to utility shifting others: “Work effected from Km 15 to km 27 because of BSNL.”
The original completion date is already over December 17, 2008. “Less than 1 month remaining as per the revised completion date December 17, 2009.”
Forth contract, construction of public toilets in Jammu city of package value Rs 2.46 has alert due to utility shifting others: “Rehari chowk near passanger shed proposed location coming in alignment of B.C road flyover.” Another alert is due to land acquisition: “Land not available at transport yard no 6 and parking area Jewel Chowk.” The work on the project was started on September 25, 2006 and it was supposed to complete by September 24, 2007.
However, there are 26 contract packages among total of 83 projects that have no alerts.
“Projects that of Rawalpora-Tengpora Drain, Bijbehara Langanbal Road, Pohru Chowk-Chanapora Drain and few more have no alerts,” ERA mentions.
The project ‘Multisector Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project (MIRP) loan 2151-IND’ is first externally aided project funded by Asian Development Bank (ADB). The estimated cost of the Project is Rs 1611 crores. ADB loan component is Rs 1125 crore and counter part fund component is Rs 486 crores. Counter Part fund is borne by government of India under PMRP. Project completion period was June 2009. Government of India has been requested for extension of project completion period till June 2010 and subsequesntly GOI has recommended extension to ADB.
Mention to be made ERA is a society registered under Societies Registration Act of 1941 AD. ERA came into being on Dec 28, 2004. The operational areas of the ERA are the territorial limits of the state.
BILAL HUSSAIN
Fifty seven projects out of total eighty three contract package works that had been allotted by the Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA)—special purpose vehicle for implementation of externally aided projects— have alerts. At present 69 per cent of the projects have alerts as mentioned on the ERA website.
Those contract packages have alert tags were work is pending due to one or other reason. Blockades for the projects could be utility shifting, long term issues, land acquisition, social issues, and many others issues. The major portion of total 83 contract packages were work had been allotted to various contractors, which amounts to package value of Rs 1119.34 crore have not been completed.
On of the contract package of Qazigund-Kulgam road has a alerts due to utility shifting with Power Development Department (PDD). “Electric shifting yet to be taken (Payment made to electric dept),” ERA website mentions.
Another alert is due to social issues: “SRP approved by ADB on 23rd January, 2008. SRP implementation pending for payment of assistance as details is awaited from collector LA ERA.” Work on the contracts started on July 25, 2006. Original completion date already over on July 25, 2008 and the revised date assigned September 30, 2009.
Second contract, Natipora-Nowgam and Newa-Pulwama road has alerts due to utility shifting with PDD: “Huge utility shifting involved (Required to be taken at higher level)”. On land acquisition: “pending with collector ERA”. The contract started on June 13, 2007 and the original completion date already is over July 10, 2009.
Third contract from Jammu division, Udhampur–Ramnagar road has alert due to land acquisition: “Under process on Tawi Bridge and Ritti Bridge approaches and at other places.” Another alert is due to utility shifting others: “Work effected from Km 15 to km 27 because of BSNL.”
The original completion date is already over December 17, 2008. “Less than 1 month remaining as per the revised completion date December 17, 2009.”
Forth contract, construction of public toilets in Jammu city of package value Rs 2.46 has alert due to utility shifting others: “Rehari chowk near passanger shed proposed location coming in alignment of B.C road flyover.” Another alert is due to land acquisition: “Land not available at transport yard no 6 and parking area Jewel Chowk.” The work on the project was started on September 25, 2006 and it was supposed to complete by September 24, 2007.
However, there are 26 contract packages among total of 83 projects that have no alerts.
“Projects that of Rawalpora-Tengpora Drain, Bijbehara Langanbal Road, Pohru Chowk-Chanapora Drain and few more have no alerts,” ERA mentions.
The project ‘Multisector Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project (MIRP) loan 2151-IND’ is first externally aided project funded by Asian Development Bank (ADB). The estimated cost of the Project is Rs 1611 crores. ADB loan component is Rs 1125 crore and counter part fund component is Rs 486 crores. Counter Part fund is borne by government of India under PMRP. Project completion period was June 2009. Government of India has been requested for extension of project completion period till June 2010 and subsequesntly GOI has recommended extension to ADB.
Mention to be made ERA is a society registered under Societies Registration Act of 1941 AD. ERA came into being on Dec 28, 2004. The operational areas of the ERA are the territorial limits of the state.
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