Punjab MLAs will audit civic works, says Navjot Sidhu

State legislators will be auditing development works being carried out in civic bodies in their respective assembly segments, Punjab local bodies minister Navjot Singh Sidhu said on Friday.

State legislators will be auditing development works being carried out in civic bodies in their respective assembly segments, Punjab local bodies minister Navjot Singh Sidhu said on Friday.

Local bodies minister Navjot Singh Sidhu addressing the media in Jalandhar on Friday. (Pardeep Pandit/HT Photo)

In his maiden visit to the city after becoming a minister, Sidhu said the move, which he termed ‘public audit’, will help fulfil the commitment to bring transparency in the system.

He said at the site of every project, a board carrying its details will be erected. The details will include the nature of work, specifications, and cost of construction besides the contractor’s name, his address and phone number and his supervisory officer’s name and contact details so that people can contact them directly in case of any problem.

Accompanied by his party MLAs from Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Amritsar, he said he would discuss the proposal with chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh soon.

Non-recovery of bills: MC officials to get notice

Criticising municipal officials for not recovering water and sewerage bills periodically and sending hefty bills, Sidhu said it was the previous government’s ploy to tarnish the image of the new regime. He said the department will issue notices to all those MC officials who had failed to make periodic recovery. Speaking on the water metering policy, he said the government will formulate a uniform policy. “No section will get unwanted benefits,” he said, adding those with less than five-marla land will be exempted.

“I am personally monitoring the work of this committee. After completion of the plan, we will take it to Capt Amarinder,” he said.