SHILLONG:
Public Health Engineering (PHE) minister, Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar, on March 16, admitted that rising price of galvanised iron (GI) pipes has escalated the cost of implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission in Ri Bhoi district.
Replying to a query by Umroi MLA, George B Lyngdoh, he said, “The cost of GI pipes depends on the market rate of raw materials such as zinc and steel. Therefore, escalation is possible when prices of materials change,” adding that no extra amount has been paid so far for the scheme’s implementation.
On whether the Government of India will bear the additional cost of pipes, Tongkhar said, “If the additional cost is within the contingency provision, it would not entail additional funding. In case it exceeds, we have to provide it through a state plan.”
The Umroi MLA expressed concern over deduction from the labour charge because of this escalation and sought clarity on the matter.
Tongkhar informed that the department has approved the new schedule of rate (SoR) on March 15, stating, “I hope this will serve the purpose.”
