Model code hits development projects in city

Once the model code of conduct is imposed,no new projects can be initiated. Tenders cannot be invited for any work,and if they have already been invited,they cannot be opened. Any work that has been allotted,but not started cannot get under way. Due to these conditions work comes to a standstill. The code also becomes an alibi for officials,of the projects,that have already been delayed.

Among the projects that are in the dock,is the Food Street proposed in Sector 48. The foundation stone for the initiative was laid two years back,but since then,the project has hit one roadblock after the other. During this period,the contractor,who was allotted the project,also refused to undertake work. While tenders had to be called again,the imposition of the poll code ensured it couldn’t be done. The beautification of the Night Food Street near Panjab University is another project that has been affected due to the frequent disruptions.

The Municipal Corporation efforts to initiate a recruitment process for employing its own staff,has also stumbled. A proposal for creating and filling around 4,000 posts was sent to the Administration by the civic body. Action on this is awaited. Routine work like installation of play equipment,carpeting of roads,among others have also been hampered. During elections,the officials are also put on poll duty with some designated as returning officers or election observers,adding to the situation.

The Punjab Assembly polls has also affected a project linked to the city. The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority had called tenders for laying pipelines to transport water from Kajauli. MC and GMADA were holding talks to acquire pipelines with larger diameters so that water for the city could also be carried.

As the GMADA had called tenders,they could not be opened due to the model code of conduct in Punjab.

An official admitted work has suffered over the past few months due to the code of conduct being imposed at regular intervals.

“While we made attempts to clear the backlog of already sanctioned projects during this period,new work could not be initiated. With the code having been lifted tenders are now being invited and the projects on hold would be started,” the official added.