Govt initiates Probe in alleged " Financial Irregularity" in Uri Hydraulic Division

Benish Kazmi

Srinagar, April 28 ( RNA):Taking strong note of SE Hydraulic Circle Sopore's communique regarding alleged " Financial Irregularity" in Hydraulic Division Uri, the government on Thursday has ordered an enquiry to investigate the issue. The transfer order of the accused official has also been out on hold. According to RNA, the Chief Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control , Kashmir vide his order Number 19-E Of 2022 has Constituted a three member committee to investigate the alleged " financial misconduct" in the division as communicated by the the Superintending Engineer Hydraulic Circle Sopore. Pertinently the SE in his communication to Executive Engineer Uri and Chief Engineers of I&FC and PHE had noted that Ten employees of the Uri division were extended undue benefits of SRO-59 adding that all the ten beneficiaries were not entitled for the same. The SE had directed Executive Engineer to start recoveries from the beneficiary officials. The concerned Establishment Clark who was on deputation was immediately called back to his parent division. "As reported by the Superintending Engineer Hydraulic Circle Baramulla HQ Sopore Vide above referred letter benifits under SRO-59 of 1990 stands extended in favour of some officials from PHE Sector working in the Hydraulic Division Uri in violation of rules. In order to investigate the matter , a committe is hereby constituted" reads the order of Chief Engineer I&FC Kashmir. The committee has been asked to verify and scrutinize the records and service books of the officials and furnish a detailed report along with suggestions within seven days. The committee would be headed by Executive Engineer level officer whereas an Assistant Executive Engineer and an Assistant Accounts Officer would be the other two members. Pertinently RNA had carried a story on the issue a day before highlighting the mess in the division. Meanwhile Chief Engineer in a separate order has kept the transfer order of then then establishment Clerk on hold inorder to ensure a hassle free investigation. "This office has Constituted a committee for having probe into the matter as such in order to have hassle free investigation without interference of the official against whome charges have been leveled, you are directed not to relieve the Junior Assistant who is under transfer to Hydraulic Division Uri till further orders." reads the order of CE vide Number 840-43 addressed to Executive Engineer Irrigation Maintenance Division Baramulla, a copy of which lies with RNA. In the meantime Chief Engineer I&FC Naresh Kumar while speaking to RNA,said that he will not tolrate graft practices in the department . He said enquiry has been initiated to probe the matter. (RNA)