KARACHI, 11March: An inquiry into the alleged irregularities in allotment of plots at the New Sabzi Mandi, located at Super Highway, and misuse of funds through excessive hiring, has concluded that the misappropriations caused a loss of over Rs 23 million to the agricultural marketing wing of the Sindh government, sources said.

They said that inquiry was initiated on receiving complaints regarding the irregularities by the market of the New Sabzi Mandi, during the tenure of Abdul Jabbar Abbasi, ex administrator, and Lal Bux Baloch, ex secretary.

The inquiry committee concluded that 146 plots were allotted to persons whose eligibility was not covered under the government policy.

However, despite the summation of the inquiry report, so far no action has been taken against the concerned officials, the source said.

Azam Chunna, director, agriculture marketing wing, Hyderabad, confirmed to Daily Times that an inquiry in this regard was under progress, and said that agriculture secretary would take action once the scrutiny is completed.

Mr Chunna refused to comment on the current status of inquiry, but departmental sources said that the inquiry has been completed, but its release is being delayed.

The inquiry also revealed that the market committee of the New Sabzi Mandi issued work orders at rates 50 percent to 60 percent above the government limits. Between 2001 to 2002, the committee issued higher work orders for construction of 44 toilet blocks, construction of a restaurant, commercial shops and for the construction of the internal road.

The daily turnover of New Sabzi Mandi is over Rs 30 million, as some 9,000 to 10,000 retail traders visit the Mandi daily. The current condition of the infrastructure in the New Sabzi Mandi receives constant complaints for no water, no suitable sewerage system due to which the market turns into a lake during rains. Also, there is no proper arrangement of toilets for the visitors and the traders.

The water supply and distribution networks, sewerage disposal, solid waste management, power supply installations and internal automation are also faulty, damaged and disorganised despite the fact that the Mandi is not yet five years old in terms of operations.

The inquiry committee has concluded that the misuse of funds allotted by for the development of the market has resulted in the current position.

“The level of irregularities also covered 30 employments without budget approval and relaxation of ban on hiring,” said the source. “The market committee also made 17 promotions during the period without the required financial approval from the concerned authority.”

The inquiry committee has accused the market committee of gross negligence and for being working in disregard to the bindings of budget approval required under the rules.

“The current situation in the New Sabzi Mandi indicates that the agriculture marketing wing may suffer further losses on account of irregularities in the head entry fee revenue, parking fee and other charges levied to generate revenue for the government,” said the source.

He added that the traders have links with top officials, which stops common traders from filing any complaints against the weak infrastructure provided by the market committee, despite the heavy funds provided by the government.

Daily Times