Minister suspends XEN, SDO, JE for negligence in road work

Haryana Public Health Engineering and Public Works Department Minister Ranbir Gangwa today ordered the suspension of three PWD officials — Executive Engineer (XEN) Rajnish Kumar, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Dalbir Singh Rathi and Junior Engineer (JE) Suresh Kumar — for alleged negligence in the construction of a road from Dhiktana village to Dhansu village in Hisar district.

The minister had gone to the site following complaints from villagers about the use of poor quality material in the construction of the 5.4 km stretch connecting the two villages. The road was completed just 15 days ago.

The minister got off his car and found that the upper surface of the road started peeling off after being rubbed by a shoe. Upset over the shoddy work, the minister called PWD officials.

He said he had made it clear during a meeting with officials of the department in Chandigarh that there would be no compromise on the quality of work.

Gangwa directed Superintending Engineer Ajit Singh to get the material used in the construction of the road checked and take strict action against the agency allotted the work.

“All works should be completed within the stipulated time frame with good quality material, strictly as per the specifications. Any negligence in the quality of construction work will not be tolerated,” he said.

Besides ordering the suspension of the three officials, who were responsible for the work, the minister also issued directions for holding an inquiry.