Kerala: Government rejects the initial probe report of PWD on Haripad Medical College

Kerala: After running into an alleged controversy over awarding the first tender for the design of the Haripad Medical College, some government officials were under the scanner of the vigilance department at PWD. The proposed medical college is the first PPP model institute in the state. Recent updates imply that the government has now rejected the report submitted by the Deputy Chief Engineer, Vigilance, Public Works after its initial probe on the matter. The complaint by PWD has resulted in to an alleged loss of Rs 4,61 crore to the government.

At a press meet on Thursday, Minister for Public Works G. Sudhakaran said the report reflected the stand of the previous UDF government and Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala. “Effort to get more clarification on various issues has failed and we are rejecting the report. A decision on the future course of action will be taken after the verdict of the two cases pending in the High Court,” the Minister said.

The minister in addition implied that the inquiry officer has provided justification to the matter and argument regarding submission of the tender, which had raised suspicion earlier. The said officer has also sought information into the matter regarding the land required as per MCI norms was available during that time; and to confirm that the tender was based on these specifications.

However, the government has still not provided any direct answer as to why the offer by the NTPC was rejected. The violation of the wetland Act has not been probed by PWD as it is not directly under its purview.

The Minister said a similar complaint on the consultancy agreement on the medical college in Palakkad had also been forwarded to the Deputy Chief Engineer, Vigilance, for inquiry.