Guwahati: Assam Public Works (APW) has alleged large-scale financial irregularities, misuse of public funds, questionable procurement practices, irregular appointments and administrative lapses in the Assam Legislative Assembly Secretariat over the past five years, and has called for a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
APW president Abhijit Sharma and general secretary Dhruvajyoti Talukdar urged the Assembly authorities to examine what they described as widespread irregularities that allegedly took place during the previous administration of the Assembly Secretariat.
The organization stated that it had first raised concerns regarding alleged corruption within the Secretariat during a press conference held on August 16, 2024, and had also informed the then Speaker about the matter. According to APW, no effective action was taken despite repeated requests for intervention.
APW alleged that a group of senior officials and individuals associated with the Secretariat exercised significant influence over administrative, financial and procurement-related decisions. The organization claimed that this network controlled several key projects involving infrastructure development, information technology systems, audio-visual facilities, maintenance contracts and manpower engagements.
APW questioned several appointments made during the period under review and sought clarification regarding the procedures through which certain individuals were assigned important responsibilities within the Secretariat. It alleged that these appointments later played a significant role in decision-making processes involving major projects and financial transactions.
The further alleged that substantial modifications were carried out in the newly constructed Assembly building after completion of major portions of the project. According to APW, offices, conference facilities and other important sections of the building were redesigned or relocated, leading to additional expenditure that may have resulted in significant losses to the public exchequer. The organization has sought a detailed audit of all such modifications and the expenses incurred.
Questions were also raised regarding the procurement and replacement of audio systems and other technological equipment installed within the Assembly complex. APW alleged that equipment that had already been installed was later replaced, resulting in additional costs. It called for an inquiry into the procurement process, technical evaluations, approvals and expenditure associated with these decisions.
The organization also alleged irregularities relating to interior works carried out in different sections of the Assembly building. According to them, contractors who completed substantial portions of work faced delays in receiving payments, while allegations of demands for illegal gratification surfaced during the process. APW has requested an independent inquiry into these claims and the manner in which bills and payments were processed.
The further alleged that the cost of certain projects increased significantly beyond their original estimates. APW has demanded a thorough review of project estimates, tender procedures, contractor selection processes and final expenditures to determine whether public funds were spent in accordance with established rules and financial norms.
The organization also questioned the procurement of information technology equipment and laptops for legislators and Assembly operations. According to APW, some of the items may have been purchased at prices substantially higher than prevailing market rates. It has urged authorities to compare procurement records with market prices and determine whether any financial irregularities occurred.
APW additionally sought scrutiny of expenditures incurred under skilled and unskilled manpower contracts. The organization called for verification of personnel records, attendance details, contractual terms and payment records, alleging that discrepancies may be detected through a detailed investigation.
The memorandum further raised concerns regarding the procurement and installation of televisions, display systems, surveillance equipment and other electronic infrastructure within the Assembly premises. APW alleged that physical verification of the equipment may reveal discrepancies between procurement records and actual installations.
The organization also demanded an investigation into expenditure incurred on various technology-based projects and public display initiatives implemented within the Assembly complex. According to APW, these projects involved substantial public expenditure and therefore require detailed technical and financial audits.
Concerns were also raised regarding recruitment carried out within the Secretariat over the last five years. APW claimed that a large number of appointments were made during the period and called for scrutiny of recruitment procedures, eligibility criteria and selection processes to ensure transparency and fairness.
The memorandum further sought examination of official foreign visits undertaken during the period under review. APW urged authorities to verify travel expenditure, delegation composition, objectives of the visits and outcomes achieved through such tours. It also called for scrutiny of travel-related bills and expenditure records maintained by the Secretariat.
Apart from financial allegations, APW expressed concern regarding fire safety compliance in the new Assembly building. Referring to a recent inspection conducted by the Fire and Emergency Services Department, the organization urged the Speaker to ensure that all deficiencies identified during the inspection are addressed immediately in the interest of public safety and the security of legislators, officials and visitors.
The organization also sought an investigation into payments allegedly processed during the period between the declaration of election results and the assumption of office by the present Speaker, claiming that records relating to approvals and financial transactions during that period should be carefully examined.
Appealing for immediate action, APW requested Speaker Ranjit Kumar Das to order a transparent, independent and time-bound inquiry into all allegations raised in the memorandum. The organization stated that a comprehensive investigation is necessary to restore public confidence, ensure accountability and uphold the dignity and credibility of the Assam Legislative Assembly Secretariat.
