Question : PMGSY in North-East States

(a) whether the Government is aware of the delay in the works of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) particularly in North-East States including Hailakandi region in Assam and if so, the details thereof;

(b) the time by which the said works are likely to be completed;

(c) whether previously constructed roads under PMGSY are not in usable condition due to lack of maintenance work and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether any action has been taken against the implementing agency and the contractors responsible for execution and maintenance of the work; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI RAM KRIPAL YADAV)

(a) & (b): ‘Rural Roads’ is a State subject and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is a one-time special intervention of the Central Government to provide rural connectivity, by way of a single all-weather road, to the eligible unconnected habitations in the Core Network. Implementation of the programme, i.e., tendering, award and execution, is the responsibility of the State Governments through State Rural Roads Development Agencies (SRRDAs) at the State level and Programme Implementation Units (PIUs) at the district level. Reasons for delay in execution of works, as reported by various North-East States, includes prolonged rainy seasons and floods, shorter working season, delay in forest clearances, law & order issues, shortage of construction materials and land litigation issues. The State Government of Assam has informed that works which are not completed due to damage by flood, termination of contract due to poor performance of contractors, etc., are targeted for completion by December, 2017. In Hailakandi region, as informed by the State, sanction was received for 323 Km of road works out of which 261 Km (81%) has been completed.

(c) to (e): The road works under PMGSY are covered by a 5-year maintenance contract, entered into along with the construction contract, with the same contractor, in accordance with the Standard Bidding Document (SBD) prescribed under PMGSY by the Ministry of Rural Development. Maintenance funds to service the contract are budgeted by the State Governments. On expiry of 5-year post-construction maintenance, the State Governments are required to make necessary budget provision to place such roads under zonal maintenance contracts. State Governments of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Tripura have reported that all the previously constructed roads under PMGSY, except some roads requiring maintenance to improve riding comfort, are in usable condition. State Governments of Assam, Manipur and Meghalaya have informed that action against defaulting contractors for delay in execution and poor maintenance are taken in accordance with Standard Bidding Documents (SBDs). Assam Government has informed that so far 13 defaulting contractors have been blacklisted and 61 defaulting contractors have been debarred from participating in the tenders of PMGSY. Tripura has informed that in 14 cases, the security deposits of defaulting contractors have been forfeited.

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