Nagpur: Even before the dust of the fake contract scam is settled, yet another alleged scam has shook the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). This time it is a bench scam of Rs 11.91 crore.
Following proposals from elected members of all political parties and a single independent corporator, it was decided to install concrete and iron benches for the convenience of the public. In the last three financial years, NMC has procured more than 17,500 benches under various heads and spent Rs 11.91 crore.
The NMC team has found many irregularities in the initial investigation. On paper many of these benches were shown as installed, but on inspection the NMC team did not find any benches at the marked locations. The investigation also revealed that the benches procured by the civic body were not only of poor quality but were purchased at inflated prices.
Municipal commissioner Radhakrishnan B had ordered an inquiry about two months ago. As a result, a team led by Deputy Municipal Commissioner Nirbhay Jain launched an investigation. The team collected details and information from the Public Works Department from all 10 zones and submitted the report this week.
Sources said the standing committee had approved and made budgetary provision for installation of concrete or iron benches in societies and public places. Even financial provisions were made available from the offices of the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor.
This amount was spent on several heads – road repair and construction, ward fund, economically weaker section, DPC fund etc.
As per the preliminary inquiry report, in 2019-20, NMC had spent more than Rs 4.44 crore for the purchase of 6,587 benches, in 2020-21 and 2021-22, the Public Works Department spent Rs 2.95 crore and Rs 4.51 crore were. To buy 4,424 benches and 6,551 benches respectively.
Preliminary investigation revealed that some contractors were allegedly paid one-time payments indirectly after the allotment of orders to the benches. This disturbance was seen in almost all the wards of 10 zones.
The maximum number of benches – 3,200 – were set up in Hanuman Nagar area, followed by Gandhibagh at 3,027, Dharampeth 2,278 Under and Mangalwari 2,172.
Taking cognizance of the team’s findings, Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Radhakrishnan B has ordered a thorough investigation. “NMC will take the help of volunteers of NGOs in the city to count the benches set up across the city. The numbers will be matched with the findings of the preliminary investigation by the NMC,” Radhakrishnan B told TOI.
In December last year, TOI had busted a fake stationery scam worth Rs 67 lakh at NMC. After this disclosure, major financial irregularities came to the fore. The contractors had withdrawn crores of rupees in connivance with the NMC officials without supplying anything.
irregularities
*No benches set up, but money spent
*Installed benches are of poor quality
* Funds allocated from various heads like mayor fund, deputy mayor fund, ward fund etc.
* Volunteers of NGOs will be included for counting the benches established in the last three years
number game
Zone —- No. Number of benches — Amount spent (in lakhs)
Laxmi Nagar—1,341—110.79
Dharampeth—-2,278—108.19
Hanuman Nagar—-3,200—207.84
Dhantoli—946—75.85
Nehru Nagar—-3,027—189
Gandhibag—-684—56.92
Satranjipura—-352—28.96
Lakadganj—1,777—162.36
Ashi Nagar—1,785—116.80
Tuesday—-2,172—134.24
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