Missing files regarding projects, properties concerns activists

The missing files of various projects and properties have raised eyebrows over the working of the officials concerned of municipal corporation (MC), Ludhiana. Several important files have gone missing in the past but no action has been taken against the errant officials.

Even in some cases, the MC failed to lodge FIR in regards to the missing files. Some files went missing in a dramatic way when the city-based residents sought information under Right to Information Act (RTI).

In a fresh case, the MC officials have admitted about the missing file of a land that was reserved for shooting range in BRS Nagar but even after the passage of a few months, the MC authorities failed to lodge an FIR.

Last year, the building branch had claimed that a file regarding under construction building on Chandigarh Road had gone missing. This building was being constructed by violating the norms but when information was sought under RTI, the MC informed a city-based RTI activist that the file was lost.

In a dramatic way, the file was recovered soon when a show cause notice was served to the then assistant town planner of zone B. This file revealed about a big violation in the construction of that building.

Col (retired) JS Brar said, "It is a serious matter and a departmental inquiry should be marked into the missing file cases. Even the MC failed to register an FIR in connection with the missing file related to the land reserved for shooting range. The officials are responsible as they deliberately miss these important files."

A resident, Baljit Singh, has been demanding information about the construction of skating rink in Sarabha Nagar but to no avail. Singh said, "The MC informed me that the file of skating rink is also missing. The government should probe this matter."

The audit report of 2013-14 has also raised objections about the missing files and receipt books. According to the report, an orginal file regarding a road work on Hambran road had gone missing and the then MC commissioner in October 2013 had issued orders to fix the responsibility of the official concerned but nothing has been done.

Sources said the missing documents and files suggest that there is a scam in various projects. The residents said a high level inquiry should be marked to investigate the matter of missing files to avoid the misuse of public money.

A city-based RTI activist, Kuldeep Singh Khaira, said, "The MC's zone D building was constructed in the green belt. I had sought information to know that how the permission was granted to construct this building in green belt. The irresponsible reply of MC officials was that the file has gone missing."

"There are many files which went missing but the authorities generally don't inquire the matter. Is there a conspiracy to hide the corrupt practices? Who is responsible? Guilty officials should be punished strictly," he said.

Mayor Harchran Singh Gohalwaria said, "I have no information about these missing files but I will definitely look into it. I will talk to the officials and will inquire the matter. Necessary action will be taken against guilty."

MC commissioner GK Singh said they will fix the responsibility of the officials in the case of missing files. He said necessary action will be taken against the guilty officials.