Journalism of Courage
The Science and Technology Park (STP) has claimed that local government bodies owe them nearly Rs 4 crore for various it has provided them over the last six years.
The park is a nodal agency that provides training and consultancy services to various government,public and private bodies. Among others,it has helped set up e-governance at the Jalgaon civic body,an innovation park for the MMRDA and MIDC,and Geographical Positioning System (GPS) for kerosene tankers.
However,STP officials say that arrears for all these services have to be cleared.
We have separate tie-ups with local bodies for various initiatives. After we provide the services,we have to keep following up with them for payment. Not only is this exasperating,but it also demotivates us. We wonder if we should continue providing services to urban local bodies, said Jagdale.
A senior official from Mantralaya said representatives from the local bodies were asked about the issue. There are some issues regarding the amount. We have asked the local bodies and the STP to sort out the matter, said the official who was part of a meeting held two months ago. It was chaired by former chief secretary Ratnakar Gaikwad.
Gaikwad had then directed the local bodies to clear the dues. However,STP officials say only part of the dues have been paid. The STP has written to the government several times over the pending dues, said an official.
Asked about the implementation of GPS on kerosene tankers and the amount which has to be cleared,Madhukar Bodke,district supply officer of Pune,said the system was operational only for around five months and discontinued later. The amount will be cleared after a proper assessment, said Bodke.
There were disputes about who would bear the costs. The state has agreed to bear it,however,we have not got the funds yet, he added.
