ES Reporter

MIAO, Mar 27:  In what could be termed as a classic case study in administrative reform, it has come to light that more than 4 years later, cabinet decision taken in 2017 to decentralise WRD and RWD departments has not been honoured by the same government and its leaders.  Decision to set up offices of Chief Engineer (RWD) and Chief Engineer ((WRD) for administrative convenience of Eastern Arunachal has proved to be a pipe dream and has put a question on the worth of a cabinet decision. 
In 2017, the state cabinet had approved to establish two Divisional Commissioner - East & West- for the smooth functioning of the administration and its decentralization. Following the cabinet decision, Yachuli was selected for the Western zone headquarters and similarly Namsai for Eastern Zone.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu had inaugurated Divisional Commissioner (West) headquarters at Yachuli in November 2017. However, for Eastern Arunachal, the representatives of all the Eastern Arunachal had decided to establish the Chief Engineer Office of WRD and RWD at Miao and the foundation stone for the same was laid on 25th April 2018.
When questioned about the delay, Minister for UD & Civil Supply, Kamlung Mossang who is also the local MLA of Miao cited fund crunch as one of the major reasons. Minister also added that he had written letters to the concerned authorities to allocate funds for the infrastructure development so that both the offices could run from the decided locations for the welfare of the public.
“As of now the CE-WRD(EZ) office is running temporarily from Old-Inspection Bungalow of Miao, whereas CE-RWD(EZ) is still nowhere in the scene," he added.
 The Chief Engineer visits the office on and off , informed staff from CE-WRD-Eastern Zone office, Miao.
 As per the official letter obtained from the authority,   CE-RWD(EZ) has sought a fund amounting to Rs.5838.00 lakhs for the infrastructure development in December 2019,and Rs.24.02 Crore for setting up of CE-WRD(EZ) office, but nothing has materialise till date.
When inquired about staff quarters and land for office establishment, Mossang asserted that land has been already identified. A few unoccupied government quarters were already renovated, and also Working Women's Hostel at Miao has been handed over to the department for the staff. He also disclosed that some of the staff had earlier occupied the rooms but surprisingly they also left Miao without any information.
This daily is in possession of an official letter signed (on May 2021) by  Mossang stating that Department of WRD was temporarily allowed to function from Old IB & double-storied Working Women's Hostel building, Miao for office & accommodation to staff till a permanent infrastructure asset is created. Accordingly, few staff had shifted and functioning from Miao. Whereas land for the permanent site of both the CE offices has already been identified but due to non-allocation of funds the departments are facing infrastructure problems for office & staff accommodation.
During the year 2018-19, CE (WRD) had proposed an estimate of Rs. 24.02 crore for "C/o office and residential building at Miao" and CE (RWD) also submitted an estimate for Rs. 5838.00 lakhs for "Infrastructure for setting up Chief Engineer Eastern Zone office at Miao" but it has not materialized till date. 
"Even if not in one go as sought by the Department, but if the government allocates some funds, the said offices can at least start functioning," stated Minister UD & Civil Supply.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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