By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: The Assam Public Works (APW) has raised concerns regarding extensive irregularities and the alleged misappropriation of public funds in the operations and renovation efforts of the Assam Legislative Assembly, calling for a comprehensive inquiry into the issue.
During a press conference, APW president Abhijit Sharma and general secretary Dhrubajyoti Talukdar asserted that numerous administrative and financial decisions made during the term of former Speaker Bishwajit Daimary are under significant scrutiny and necessitate investigation.
The organization claimed that former Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary made approximately 32 international trips throughout his five-year term, with all arrangements reportedly coordinated through a single travel agency. APW also requested an examination of these travel records under the current Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Das and indicated its readiness to provide further documentation if necessary.
Serious accusations have also been directed at former officials, including Dulal Pegu, Soumen Baruah, and Antima Deora, with APW asserting that they were pivotal in what it termed as irregular administrative practices within the Assembly Secretariat.
The organization further claimed that close associates and supporting staff were involved in facilitating various decisions pertaining to procurement and administration. Regarding recruitment, APW alleged that approximately 125 appointments were made in the Assembly Secretariat for Grade III and Grade IV positions, with at least 28 of these reportedly influenced directly by former official Dulal Pegu. It also asserted that several individuals were appointed without adhering to proper procedures, raising concerns about the norms and fairness of the recruitment process.
Several individuals were mentioned in this context, including Rini Doley, Manoranjan Pegu, Himashri Dutta, Himangshu Haloi, Tapan Talukdar, Dhanmoni Bora, Kaustavmoni Baruah, among others, who were purportedly appointed through improper procedures.
Additionally, it was claimed that during the term of former Speaker Biswajit Daimary, irregularities were conducted without oversight. APW also identified OSD Soumen Baruah, Antima Deora, and former Secretary Dulal Pegu, accusing them of orchestrating what it referred to as a “network of exploitation” within the Assembly Secretariat.
As reported by APW, close associates of the former Speaker, such as Madhav Deka and Joint Secretary Deergha Baruah, were implicated in the purported irregular activities. APW asserted that substantial funds were allocated for the renovation and modernization of the Assembly building, which included enhancements to lighting and sound systems, totaling several crores of rupees.
Allegations have been made that previously installed modern microphones were taken out and substituted with a greater quantity of units through a process connected to a private firm linked to Soumen Baruah, which raises concerns regarding the necessity and expenses involved.
The organization further alleged that approximately Rs 10 crore was expended on lighting and sound arrangements within the Assembly complex, urging a review of the procurement processes and the execution of contracts. Additionally, it claimed that various infrastructure projects were executed without sufficient transparency.
The press conference heightened concerns regarding the safety and security measures within the Assam Legislative Assembly premises. The Assam Public Works (APW) claimed that the fire safety systems within the complex are either inoperative or inadequately maintained.
The organization urged newly elected Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Das to commence a high-level investigation into all the allegations. In a formal statement, APW remarked, “Soumen Baruah and associates have transformed the Assam Legislative Assembly into a fish market.”
Additionally, it alleged that a former escort service provider was appointed as a Special Duty Officer to the Speaker during Biswajit Daimary’s administration. Citing the tenure of former Speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami, the organization noted that although the new Assembly building was inaugurated during his leadership, crores of rupees were reportedly misappropriated in the acquisition of various materials for the building.
In another claim, APW stated that Soumen Baruah installed a 360-degree camera between his room and the Speaker’s chamber to monitor movement and prevent contractors from directly approaching the Speaker. It further alleged that contractors who attempted to bypass him faced serious consequences.
In a separate assertion, APW claimed that Soumen Baruah set up a 360-degree camera between his room and the Speaker’s chamber to oversee movement and deter contractors from approaching the Speaker directly. It was further alleged that contractors who tried to circumvent him faced severe repercussions.
The organization also asserted that the fire safety and emergency systems within the Assembly are presently inoperative and called for their immediate restoration. Raising pointed inquiries, APW questioned, “Has Biswajit Daimary experienced any shame? Has Soumen Baruah experienced any shame?” In closing the press conference, APW called upon Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Das to commence an immediate investigation, stating, “Initiate an inquiry, and we will supply all necessary information.” The organization contended that the entire Assembly campus is currently in a state of decline, with an unpleasant atmosphere prevailing throughout the premises.