Once bitten,twice shy? Admn calls off market project

The UT State Agriculture Marketing Board had invited global tenders for setting up the Rs 53.67-crore Modern Terminal Market on 50 acres of land near Agro zone,Sector 39,for fruits,vegetables and other perishables. Tenders for the market were announced in January 2007 while construction was to be completed within 15 months from the date of contract. However,the Administration has not announced the qualified applicants for the project as yet. The matter has been postponed “till further notice”.

Regarding the Warehousing complex project,feedback was received from all consultants who participated in the pre-bid conference and it was decided that the proposed changes be re-advertised and put into public domain. Finance Secretary Sanjay Kumar emphasised that the revised advertisements be published as per the new terms and conditions,so that transparency is ensured.

‘Controversies in circles of power stagnating development’
Members of the Chandigarh Beopar Mandal,Chandigarh Citizens’ Council,Chandigarh Industrial Association,Business Promotion Council and Property Owners’ Welfare Association held a joint meeting on Tuesday to “raise their voice against the forces hampering progress in the city”. The members stated that controversies in the circles of power are stagnating development. In a memorandum,which will be submitted to the Home Minister soon,they expressed concern that if the controversies are not laid to rest,MNCs may shift their future projects to neighbouring states who offer more incentives. The memorandum adds that the CVC inquiry into the projects should be short and time-bound.