CPI alleges irregularities into KTPS contracts

CPI alleges irregularities into KTPS contracts
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

NAGPUR, JUNE 7: The district unit of Communist Party of India (CPI) has demanded a high-level probe into the alleged large-scale irregularities in award of contracts by the officials of Khaparkheda Thermal Power Station (KTPS) of Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB).

Addressing a press conference, CPI leader Jammu Anand alleged that contracts were awarded to a body which is registered as a social organisation with the Charity Commissioner. Moreover, the organisation is floated by a group of MSEB officials. It is highly objectionable that contracts were awarded to a social organisation, which by its very nature, is not eligible to enter the construction business by employing workers. But the MSEB officials continued to show favours to it by awarding contracts, the CPI leader said.

Surprisingly, the sub-regional office of the Provident Fund Commissioner has also allotted a separate code number to the organisation. This is in total violation of the regulations governing allotment of PF code, he claimed. He referred to a letter from the sub-regional PF office which clearly stated that no separate code number could be allotted to the company engaging contractor workers. The principal employer management must provide cent per cent cover to the contractor workers, it said.

Stating that the KTPS has been allotted a code number, he said no separate code could be allotted to any contractor firm.

Citing this provision, he said it is highly objectionable that a separate code number was allotted in this case and that too to a body which is registered with the Charity Commissioner as a social organisation. He announced that the CPI and MSEB Construction Workers Federation would soon launch an agitation demanding a high-level probe into gross irregularities by MSEB officials and also by the Provident Fund office.