Date:08/04/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/04/08/stories/2005040806690400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Naidu for four moderators from NGOs

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, APRIL 7. The Telugu Desam Party president, N. Chandrababu Naidu, has suggested to the Government to nominate four representatives from Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) to act as moderators for the proposed scrutiny of irrigation tenders and debate on irrigation projects.

In a three-page letter addressed to the Chief Minister, Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, on Thursday, Mr. Naidu made six suggestions for the proposed meeting on April 10. He said that the four NGO representatives should enjoy credibility and be unbiased without any connection with the Government affairs and affiliation to political parties.

Details sought

He said the Government could choose four such persons or leave the choice to the TDP. Responding to a letter by the Major Irrigation Minister, Ponnala Laxmaiah, to all political parties to depute technical experts for the meeting, Mr. Naidu said the Government should furnish details of the estimates of irrigation projects, packages, copies of communication on the administrative sanctions. He sought information about the nomination of contractors on pre-qualification basis, tender valuation, and agreements with contractors and details of the mobilisation advance to the contractors.

Seeks more time

He wanted only those officials to respond to the allegations levelled by the TDP and not the ones who are accused of irregularities in the tender process. As sufficient time was needed to study the information furnished by the Government, the meeting should commence at 10 a.m.

Mr. Naidu said that the parties, which had levelled allegations, should be given more time to justify their charge. He objected to the TDP being asked to depute only one technical expert on a par with other parties like the Samajwadi Party. He said five members should be allowed on behalf of the TDP.