Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 19 (ANI): The Public Works Department (PWD) Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Vikramaditya Singh on Monday issued a stern warning to officials and contractors within the department, making it clear that underperformance will no longer be tolerated.

Addressing the media, Singh said a Performance Index is being introduced in the department to evaluate work efficiency, and action will be taken against those who do not meet expectations.

'Less performance will not be accepted in the PWD department. We are introducing a performance index. Those who do not meet its benchmarks will face action, and those who perform well will be encouraged further,' Singh said.

He acknowledged that despite the allocation of substantial funds, the department's overall output remains unsatisfactory in many areas. Singh attributed this to multiple factors including lack of available land and delays caused by Forest Conservation Act clearances.

'I am concerned. Despite receiving substantial funds, our performance has been lacking in several areas. There are departmental shortcomings, and perhaps, performance-related issues with staff as well. In many places, land is not available, and in others, Forest Act clearances have caused delays.' he said.

Singh said he has held several review meetings across the state, and found lapses in the performance of both contractors and departmental engineers.

'In many places, I observed substandard work, either because of the contractors or because our departmental officials and engineers did not perform adequately. That's why I've directed the department to develop a Performance Indicator system to identify who falls under red, yellow, and green categories. Those doing good work will be supported and recognized accordingly,' he added.

The minister highlighted that in the past two years, his department carried out maximum promotions, including those of Executive Engineers, Superintending Engineers, and Sub-Divisional Engineers whose promotions had been pending since 2017. However, Singh warned that promotions alone are not guarantees of job security without performance.

'These promotions were not done so that officials could stop working on the ground. It has been clearly said, wherever work is not up to the mark, it will be reviewed, and action will be taken. Contractors will be blacklisted. No form of underperformance will be accepted in the state. We will act strongly on this,' he warned.

Singh also said that Phase 4 of the Prime Minister's Rural Roads Scheme (PMGSY) will begin soon in the state with substantial central support. However, a lack of land availability continues to hinder execution. He suggested forming a joint mechanism with the Panchayati Raj department to address land acquisition.

'I've directed officials to work through the Panchayati Raj Department to form a joint mechanism. I will also discuss this with the Chief Minister, so we can encourage local panchayat heads to contribute and facilitate land availability. The aim is to get the land transferred in the department's name to begin road work in rural and remote areas,' he added. (ANI)