Source: The Sangai Express
New Delhi, December 14:
Even though work on computerisation of electoral rolls have almost been completed ongoing dispute over payments are hampering publication of the same within the stipulated period.
As reported earlier, relationship between the Manitron and Chief Electoral Officer soured with the latter accusing the CEO of holding up requisite payment.
Compounding the already strained relationship between the two is Joint CEO serving an ultimatum to the Manitron authority on December 5 to complete the entire electoral roll 2005 (revision) computerisation process within December 10 failing which a new work agency would be scouted.
In reply, Manitron authorities had reminded the CEO on non-payment of balance amount of Rs 58.60 lakhs as well as certain clause of the November 9, 2004 agreement signed between the two entities that neither side could make a unilateral decision to terminate the work contract, informed the source.
It may be mentioned that as per the deal, out of the total amount of Rs 78.60 lakhs an advance payment of Rs 20 lakhs had to be released to Manitron, followed by another sum of Rs 25 lakhs when the work is in progress, another amount of Rs 15 lakhs at the beginning of this year and the remaining balance of Rs 18.6 lakhs on completion of the entire work.
In the meantime the said work is said to be 99 percent complete and the remaining work awaiting clearance of the payment for completion.
Inspite of the healthy work progress, the liable amount with the exception of an advance payment of Rs 20 lakhs, had not been released till date, contended the source.
Mentioning that sole arbitrator in the Manitron-CEO deal Chief Secretary jarnail Singh had even advised parties concerned to bring a negotiated settlement to the impasse, the source citing non-compliance to the Chief Secretary's suggestion expressed doubt on whether the Election Department will release the balance amount even after completion of the entire electoral roll 2005 (revision) computerisation process.
The source alleging Election Department authority of releasing Rs 19.86 lakhs to unknown source further pondered whether reluctance of the CEO to clear the pending bill is part of an cover up exercise.
The source also referred to a reported comment of the Chief Minister during a meeting (Sept 19) that Rs 19.86 lakhs allocated to some individual has nothing to do with assignment entrusted to the Manitron.