The Bihar government has taken action against contractors over delays and negligence in the construction of school buildings, imposing fines of more than Rs 73 lakh on five contractors. The Bihar State Educational Infrastructure Development Corporation (BSEIDC) has also initiated action against erring contractors, including debarment, show-cause notices and cancellation of contracts.
The action comes amid delays in school construction projects across several districts, with the education department stepping up measures against contractors who have failed to complete work as required.
FIVE CONTRACTORS FINED OVER RS 73 LAKH
Five contractors have been fined a combined amount of more than Rs 73 lakh for lapses in school building construction.
Hariom Construction faces the highest penalty of Rs 28.42 lakh, followed by Adhyay Engicon, which has been fined Rs 16.30 lakh, and Akshit Engineering, which faces a penalty of Rs 15.80 lakh.
The other two contractors penalised are MK Gupta, fined Rs 11.36 lakh, and Ajay Kumar, who has been fined Rs 1.45 lakh.
CONTRACTS UNDER SCRUTINY ACROSS BIHAR
The BSEIDC has taken action in cases involving delays in construction work in Nawada, Nalanda, Kishanganj, Madhepura and Gaya.
Meanwhile, the process of cancelling contracts for incomplete projects and works pending for a long time has been expedited in Araria, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Katihar, Sheohar and Kishanganj.
In a case involving serious irregularities, the work contract awarded to Shivangi Construction has already been cancelled.
DEBARMENT, NOTICES AND SECURITY DEPOSITS
Apart from imposing financial penalties, the corporation has debarred several contractors and issued show-cause notices to others. Action has also been initiated in some cases to confiscate contractors' security deposits and earnest money deposits (EMD).
The education department has made it clear that negligence in school building construction will not be tolerated. Contractors who fail to complete projects within the stipulated time will face further strict action.
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