MHADA blacklists over 37 contractors for fake audits
In a first, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has permanently blacklisted 20 contractors and 17 Majoor Sahkari Sanstha Maryadit (MSSM) men for submitting fake material test reports of slum improvement works under the Mumbai Slum Improvement Board (MSIB). The slum improvement works included construction of retaining walls, toilet blocks, gymnasiums, open sheds, development of cemeteries, beautification of gardens, water connections, drainages etc.
The move comes following the General and Social Sector report 2012-13 which stated that out of the total 12,237 works of MSIB awarded between 2010-13, test check of mere 1,270 works was done. The report had criticised the department’s work by clarifying in its conclusion: “The MSIB was not complying with the government directives with regard to allotment of works up to Rs 15 lakh. The prescribed system for quality control was not being adhered to. There were instances of works executed without proper survey and identification of targeted beneficiaries, irregularities in payment of final bills and execution of inadmissible works. The internal controls in MSIB were also weak.”
However, even though the report was published three years ago, the authority issued a letter to blacklist the contractors on August 7 this year. According to sources, the newly appointed Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of MHADA, Milind Mhaiskar, immediately issued the order to blacklist the contractors days after he took office.
The scrutiny of the agreement registers relating to allocation of works was conducted between 2010-13 which revealed that the MSIB allotted more number of works to MSSM than to the Unemployed Engineers and Registered Contractors leading to violation of government directives.
The estimates for various works are prepared by the divisions and administratively approved by the District Collector in case of works proposed under Members of Parliament (MP) and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLA) and Local Area Development Schemes.
In order to ensure the quality of works executed, material tests are carried out by the contractors at their own cost through MHADA's material test laboratory. Inspections are carried out by the Vigilance and Quality Control (VQC) cell of MHADA, to ensure the quality of work. The completed works are handed over to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation or the Society Committees for use and further maintenance.