Saturday, Feb 08, 2003
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Tamil Nadu
By V. Jayanth
Official sources here said discussions with the judiciary were on and an early date would be fixed — perhaps next week — for the Madurai visit and a spot review. Initially, the consequences of the DVAC's sudden and calculated strike did not sink in. But when motives were attributed to the move in some quarters — notably advocate groups in Madurai — , the Government and the judiciary woke up to the reality. Questions were raised whether it was an attempt to put off the inauguration of the Bench and if so, for what reason. The PWD Engineers Association has denied any scam or irregularity. Preliminary reports from Madurai have been carefully examined to find out whether the probe had the potential to delay the launch of the Bench. The sources said, "What has come to light now, is at a technical, low level, contractor-PWD nexus. We have been informed that the specifications laid down in the contract were not met and that the PWD officials connived at this. The DVAC is looking into the whole case and will follow it up in the normal course". More important, it has once again focussed on the "canker of corruption" in the system — at any level. It is being pointed out that except the foundation stone, laid during the previous DMK regime, the work and the release of funds took place during the present administration. As such, the DVAC's action is seen as a `double-edged weapon'. One interpretation is that it has exposed corruption in the present regime as well, even if it was at the official/technical level. But a more charitable explanation has it that the Government is "determined to eliminate corruption" and ensure "quality and standard of construction" in all projects now being implemented. Hence the checks. "A High Court complex, being built at a cost of about Rs. 55 crores, cannot be a routine project. No Government can allow standards and specifications to be compromised on such a construction. It is good that the DVAC has exposed the lapses at this stage, where corrective action can be taken. The Government wants to ensure that everything is perfect before the Bench begins to function", a senior official noted. Others are, however, worried about the impact the tests and the charges of corruption might have on the administration. After all, the exercise has driven home the message that corruption has sunk deep into the system and can be prevalent with or without the connivance of the politicians. The High Court and its Registry are in no hurry to react to this development. As at least two judges are expected to form part of the panel visiting Madurai, the judiciary will wait for a fuller picture, enquiries show. A section of the advocates in Madurai has expressed concern at the development. But Government officials take pains to explain that everything is being looked into and that the judiciary will be fully involved in a thorough review of the project. "The Government was determined to speed up the project and released funds despite a fiscal crisis ", a senior official said.
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