Imphal, August 18: In his ongoing endeavour for egalitarian development in all corners of the State as well as persisting on quality control of welfare schemes being implemented by Public Works Department, Works Minister K Ranjit visited Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts today.

Having reached out to people in Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel and Tamenglong districts on similar inspection tours since assuming charge as the Works Minister, K Ranjit accompanied made the first stop at Bishnupur district headquarters where the district's Mini Secretariat is currently under construction.

Like in his previous visits to some of the districts where he raised strong objections particularly on seeing substandard constructions, the Minister was far from convinced regarding progress of the Mini Secretariat works.

Ordering submission of progress report for every 10 days, he also asked officials concerned to convey any instances likely to hamper expeditious completion of the building construction.

The Minister also advised engineers concerned to engage more labourers, if needed, for early completion of the construction works.

Reminding the officials that target for completing the Secretariat building is three years since works began last year, Ranjit further informed that non-completion within the stipulated period would not only put the SPF Government in poor light but there is every possibility of the Central Govt insisting on returning Rs 35 crore earmarked for the project.

The project entails utilisation of Rs 10 crore every fiscal by the PWD and envisages housing different offices/departments in a single campus to streamline administrative works in the district.

The Minister confided that once functional employees could work without any hindrances inside the Mini Secretariat especially from disruptive elements.

After the stoppage, the Minister's entourage proceeded to Churachandpur district headquarters and Singhat sub-division where he surveyed road, bridge and other developmental projects being taken up under the Central Government's Special Additional assistance.

After a tour of the work sites K Ranjit advised officials concerned to ensure strict adherence to quality control in the black topping of the roads.

The Works Minister was accompanied by Deputy Speaker Th Shyamkumar, MLAs K Govindas and Th Lokeshore, Chief Engineer (PWD) Ng Rastrapati and the Department's Addl Chief Engineer Tonsana Sharma.

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