Varanasi: Uttar Pradesh Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Stamp and Court Registration Fees, Ravindra Jaiswal, has warned electricity department officials that no irregularities would be tolerated in the ongoing Rs 550-crore power improvement works in Kashi. He also directed officials to conduct ground verification of the projects after local councillors disputed claims that nearly 90% of the work had been completed in some areas.The works include the removal of tangled overhead wires, strengthening of power lines, replacement of poles, upgradation of old transformers, installation of new transformers, upgradation of power substations and construction of new substations.During a review meeting, the minister directed the managing director of Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam to ensure that all proposed works are completed as per government expectations and prescribed standards, and with quality.Jaiswal expressed displeasure after local councillors rejected claims made by regional engineers that nearly 90% of the work had been completed in some areas. He said such a situation was unacceptable and directed that teams comprising departmental engineers and local councillors be formed to closely monitor ongoing and completed works.The minister instructed senior officials to keep strict vigil on the projects. He warned that if any irregularity was found during ground verification, the responsible officials would not be spared under any circumstances.Jaiswal also expressed dissatisfaction over the working style of zonal officers and regional engineers of the Varanasi Development Authority. He said complaints were being received that poor people were being unnecessarily harassed while carrying out small repair or construction works on their own properties.He directed the vice-chairperson of the Varanasi Development Authority to ensure that people were not troubled unnecessarily in minor cases. At the same time, he asked officials to strictly prevent illegal construction in their respective areas and monitor the conduct of departmental officers.
