Srinagar, July 31 (IANS) The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday ordered a fresh probe into the unauthorised purchase of equipment made by the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Division in Budgam district.
Officials said the government has constituted a fresh Inquiry Committee to probe alleged unauthorised purchases of equipment by the then Executive Engineer, Public Works (R&B) Division, Budgam. This is considered a significant move aimed at fixing responsibility for the procedural and financial irregularities.
According to the government order issued by the Public Works (R&B) Department, the committee has been set up in supersession of Government Order No. 245-PW(R&B) of 2024 dated August 14, 2024.
The fresh probe has been ordered in pursuance of advice tendered by the Finance Department vide U.O No. FD-Code/406/2026-12-81 dated 06.07.2026. The matter pertains to CCP No. 207/2022 in case WP (C) No. 1192/2021 titled M/s New BT Enterprises Vs UT of J&K and others, as mentioned in the government order.
The committee will establish individual responsibility on the basis of cogent evidence and undertake a comprehensive examination of unauthorised purchases of equipment made without budgetary provisions, without approval of the competent authority, and in violation of codal formalities for procurement.
The Inquiry Committee has been directed to submit its report and findings within 21 days from the date of issuance of the order.
The UT government has also clarified that any modification in the posting of officers nominated to the committee shall not debar them from performing duties assigned in terms of the order.
The order further clarifies that any subsequent transfer or change in the posting of officers nominated to the committee shall not absolve them of their responsibilities, ensuring that the inquiry proceeds without interruption and reaches its logical conclusion.
The fresh inquiry is expected to establish accountability and determine whether any disciplinary or further administrative action is warranted in connection with the alleged procurement irregularities in the Budgam R&B Division.
–IANS
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