Serious allegations have emerged regarding widespread irregularities in a renovation project at a government office in Sribhumi district, casting doubts on how funds were spent and the quality of the work done.
The controversy revolves around the renovation of the Block Elementary Education Office in Ramkrishnanagar, for which Rs 16.12 lakh was approved. The Public Works Department (PWD), Sribhumi, was tasked with overseeing the project. However, the completed renovation has sparked anger among the office staff, who claim the work was substandard and left incomplete.
According to the approved plan, the renovation was meant to include the installation of tin sheets, floor tiles, painting, electrical repairs, roofing, and water supply arrangements, including a tubewell pump and water storage facilities. However, a key element—the tubewell pump—has been notably absent, despite Rs 1.31 lakh allocated for it. Instead, only a submersible cable and a plastic water tank have been installed, despite Rs 1.23 lakh being earmarked for the water supply.
Further concerns have been raised about the quality of construction. The roof at the rear of the office building is reportedly poorly secured, posing safety risks. While tiles have been laid in some of the front rooms, the same work has not been done in the back sections. The installation of tin sheets has also been incomplete, fueling suspicions of negligent workmanship.
Staff members are particularly frustrated with the overall quality of the renovation, questioning why substantial public funds were used for what they consider a careless and rushed job. Despite multiple attempts to contact PWD Buildings Division engineer Biman Das for clarification, he has not responded to the allegations.
The controversy has now caught the attention of local residents, who are calling for a formal inquiry into the renovation project and for those responsible for the alleged misuse of government funds to be held accountable.
