THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Feb 27: In a decisive move, Governor-cum-Chancellor of Jharkhand State Universities, Santosh Kumar Gangwar, has taken stern action over the poor quality of construction at Rs 350 crore Nilambar-Pitambar University (NPU), Palamu. Citing serious irregularities found in an inquiry report, he has ordered a high-level investigation and strict action against those responsible, including university officials, engineers, and contractors.
Inquiry Reveals Major Irregularities
An investigation committee, formed at the Governor’s direction, has found that the construction quality does not meet the approved standards. The contractor delivered subpar work due to a lack of proper monitoring by engineers and officials of the Jharkhand Building Construction Corporation.
Building Transferred Without Proper Inspection
The Governor expressed strong displeasure over the fact that university officials transferred the building without proper inspection, despite the absence of basic facilities like drinking water. He has directed the Managing Director of the Jharkhand Building Construction Corporation, Arwa Rajkamal, to form a high-level committee to thoroughly review the deficiencies and submit a detailed report on the discrepancies found in the work as per the BOQ and agreement.
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Action Against False Reporting and Contractors
The Governor has also condemned the false report submitted by the Executive Engineer, JSBCCL, Palamu, which wrongly claimed the availability of drinking water. He has ordered strict action against the responsible officer. Additionally, he has instructed the Corporation to take punitive action against the contractors, M/s Chhawda and JK Engineering, for failing to adhere to the BOQ and delivering low-quality work. He has also demanded clarification regarding the 40% increase in the project estimate by the Jharkhand Building Construction Corporation.
Action Against NPU Officials for Negligence
This is not the first time NPU officials have come under scrutiny. In the past, concerns have been raised about administrative lapses and irregularities within the university. In this case, the Governor-cum-Chancellor has specifically sought explanations from the Registrar-in-Charge, the Dean of Student Welfare, CCDC, and the Proctor regarding the report based on which the building was transferred without due diligence. He has ordered strict administrative action against them for their negligence in approving the faulty construction.
Governor Acts on Minister’s Complaint
Notably, the Governor’s crackdown follows a complaint made by Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore, on February 13, 2025, regarding the poor construction quality of NPU’s new building. Acting swiftly, the Governor appointed a three-member inquiry committee, which inspected the site and submitted its findings.
