Question : IMPROPER FUNCTIONING OF MES

(a) whether the Government are aware of the improper functioning of the MES in the country;

(b) whether due to unrealistic assessment of availability of water and electricity by Naval Officers and Engineers, a loss of Rs. 2.19 crore was suffered and the houses are lying vacant for months as it has been brought out by the CAG in their report 7 of 2001 on page 47;

(c) whether MES is also not providing economical and efficient and timely service to the occupants of military accommodation in Delhi; and

(d) if so, the measures proposed to be taken to tone up the MES?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI GEORGE FERNANDES)

(a), (c) & (d): No, Sir. MES is functioning with well established procedures including providing economical, efficient and timely service to occupants of military accommodation in Delhi. However, continuous efforts to upgrade the functioning, improving of the services are made.

(b) While the total cost of the project was Rs. 2.19 crores, the total rent reimbursed to the officers, watch and ward expenses, as per CAG report is reflected as Rs. 6.7 lakhs only. Delays of handing over of projects of such sizes do occur once in a while.