Are the contractors, engineers only people responsible, Mr CM?

The action taken by the Goa government against contractors and engineers for the poor conditions of roads in the state seems to be an eyewash rather than a strict action to eradicate corruption in the Public Works Department.
While it is important to hold those directly responsible for the substandard infrastructure accountable, it is equally essential to question whether they are the only ones at fault.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant’s decision to blacklist 27 contractors and issue show-cause notices to 30 engineers has two different sides one would say it demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing the issue while another would ask why only contractors and engineers and why not the politicians.
Following public outrage, Dr Pramod Sawant who took over from former PWD Minister Nilesh Cabral says he is taking steps to ensure that those responsible for the poor road conditions are held accountable.
However, it is essential to consider the broader context in which these projects are executed.
Allegations of local politicians and ministers demanding hefty commissions before work orders are issued raise significant concerns.
The assertion that no work order is issued without a substantial commission being paid at the top level implies a systemic issue that goes beyond the contractors and engineers on the ground. Besides, even to get the bills cleared the contractors have to pay huge commissions.
It is important to acknowledge that while contractors and engineers are indeed responsible for executing and supervising the works the environment in which they operate can significantly impact the quality and timely completion of projects.
If a significant portion of the tender amount is siphoned off as commissions, it undoubtedly affects the resources available for the actual execution of the project.
In light of these allegations, there is a legitimate call for an impartial inquiry into the matter.
Holding an impartial investigation to uncover the extent of corruption and the involvement of various stakeholders, including politicians and ministers, is crucial. Such an inquiry would provide a comprehensive understanding of the systemic challenges that contribute to poor infrastructure conditions.
Moreover, it is imperative for the government to ensure that disciplinary action and penalties are not disproportionately focused on the contractors and engineers alone. While they must be held accountable for their role, it is equally important to address the root causes that enable such practices to persist.
While the Chief Minister’s action against officials who have failed to ensure quality in road construction and maintenance is commendable it also seems to be giving clean chit to the erring politicos.
However, it is essential to ensure that the scope of accountability extends to all relevant parties involved in the process, including those responsible for issuing work orders and overseeing the allocation of funds.
The recent actions against contractors and engineers represent a significant step towards addressing the issue of poor road conditions in Goa, it is crucial to recognize the broader systemic challenges at play. A comprehensive inquiry and holistic approach to accountability are essential to drive meaningful and lasting improvements in the state’s infrastructure.