Meghalaya | Construction of VVIP helipad in Shillong a wasteful expenditure: PAC

By Our Reporter, TNT News | Shillong, June 28, 2018:

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly has termed the construction of the helipad at IIM Shillong permanent campus in Umsawli during 2006-2007 as a 'wasteful expenditure'.

"The State PWD constructed a helipad for landing of the VVIP at Umsawli at a total expenditure of 42.87 lakh. To construct the helipad for landing of just one helicopter for a day is definitely a wasteful expenditure," PAC chairman, Charles Pyngrope told newsmen after summoning the officials of the PWD here today.

He further observed that if this helipad is constructed in a permanent site then it is justified. "It should be the endeavor of the Government to exercise restrain before adhering to any order which may lead to 'wasteful expenditure," PAC chairman said adding that Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in its report have also raised
this matter.

Dwelling further on this issue, PAC member, Himalaya Shangpliang said that the proposal to construct the helipad was made when Union Minister of HRD was supposed to land at this place to formally lay the foundation stone of the permanent campus of IIM Shillong way back in 2006-2007.

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"The PWD construct temporary helipad without following the procedures of tendering. The administrative approval was given to the PWD only after the work was completed," Shangpliang said.

Pointing out that with the process has already faltered, he said that this particular helipad is no longer in existence since IIM Shillong has constructed its administrative building in this particular site.

Another PAC member, Zenith M Sangma said this helipad could have been used as an alternative helipad for Shillong city. "But sadly it has been used for just one day and finally now it is no longer in existence," Sangma said

He further informed that the PAC has given the PWD officials certain queries so that they come up with an extensive report in the next meeting of the committee.

Image: Representational | Source: Trip Advisor

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