17 Tamil Nadu firms awarded mega projects worth crores in Odisha: Minister flags irregularities

Odisha’s Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik stated on Tuesday that major delays in several mega drinking water projects are linked to some contractors from Tamil Nadu.

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According to the Minister, at least 17 contractors from Tamil Nadu were awarded high-value projects amounting to thousands of crores.

Providing the progress details, the Minister said about 25 projects have been completed so far, while 66 more have reached nearly 90 percent completion.

Minister Naik further revealed that the previous BJD-led government had announced 207 projects worth Rs 35,000 crore, but despite the fact that work on many of these projects had not even begun, contractors were paid advance amounts.

During the Legislative Assembly session, MLA Sofia Firdous has demanded a ruling from the Speaker, seeking a Vigilance probe into the alleged financial irregularities and premature payments to contractors.

“I feel like bringing a moral responsibility to the knowledge of the House that delay or penalty are not the lone solutions to the problem. Severe irregularities have occurred in mega drinking water projects worth Rs 35,000 crore. As Minister Naik informed, only 16 projects have been completed so far,” the Barabati-Cuttack MLA said.

“With full seriousness, I would request you (Speaker) to pass a ruling for a Vigilance inquiry to find out why only 17 contractors were awarded the project works worth Rs 35,000 crore. A hefty amount of public money has been looted in this way. The advance amounts and payments were released. Who are involved in this (irregularity)? I also want to know the work status and proper work schedule,” MLA Firdous stated.

“Not 16, but 25 projects have been completed so far. About 66 more have reached nearly 90 percent completion,” Minister Naik replied.