CM underlines responsibility of contractors towards development

ROADS & BRIDGES DEPTT ORGANIZES COORDINATION MEET WITH GOVT CONTRACTORS 
GANGTOK, 14 May [IPR]: “Contractors are directly and equally responsible in the development of the state as they are always regarded as part and parcel of the government in the course of their work,” said the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling at a coordination meeting with government contractors of the state organized by the Roads and Bridges Department at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok on 12 May. The meeting was held with the objective to discuss on quality control, management and speedy implementation of developmental schemes chaired by the Chief Minister.
While talking about the objective of the meeting, the CM said that the purpose of the meeting was to provide a platform and opportunity to discuss the developmental activities of the state and also to acknowledge the role of contractors in the development process.
Talking about the various aspects of contractual works, the CM expressed that contractors should work with utmost dedication and honesty towards any project entrusted to them as they are creating infrastructure for the future of the state.
He added that being a part of the government, contractors should not compromise on quality to ensure respect for the profession. The CM also remembered the contractors who had contributed for the society and are an example for the society. In their course of work, besides the profit motive, the sense of belonging towards the state should act as motivation to work for the development of the state, the Chief Minister added.
Talking about the various initiatives of the government the CM added that contractors have a major role in this regard as they are the people who work in the field. Talking about the concept of e-tendering the CM said that this has to be implemented for the larger interest of the contractors as this will keep aside the middlemen involved in the contractual work.
In this regard, he advised the contractors to enhance their computer knowledge and update themselves with the recent developments so as to enable themselves to compete under this system. He also talked about the government decision of allotting works to the cooperative societies to safeguard the interest of the smaller contractors of the rural areas.
The works department has been directed to frame rules to safeguard the interest of the local contractors, the CM added. Stressing on the demands placed by the contractors the Chief Minister assured to decrease the interest rate of mobilizing fund of the work from 10% to 5% and also excuse 1% of labour cess for working contractors. He also assured to give priority on payment of the bills for ongoing schemes of all departmental works and urged the contractors to complete the work in the scheduled time. “ I will protect the interest of the people in any cost and will remain rigid on this commitment forever”, said the CM.
Earlier, Chief Engineer, Building and Housing Department, C Zangpo in his welcome address said that such kind of programme was being organised for the first time in Sikkim with the objective of motivating stake holders in the development of the state. He suggested that contractors should make proper and sincere use of certificate and document provided by the government.
On behalf of the all contractors of Sikkim, Chetan Sharma thanked the Chief Minister for the revision of Schedule of Rates and encouragement of private sector investors in the state which is very much favorable for their profession.
The programme concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Uttam Pradhan, Chief Engineer(Mechanical), Energy and Power Department.