Strategies finalised for cost reduction of expenditure on engineering projectsin Punjab

by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, MAY 12
Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration, Punjab (MGSIPAP) today organized a workshop on the subject of cost reduction of expenditure incurred through Engineering Wings of various government departments / corporations. Chief Engineers & superintendents (serving & retired) from Punjab participated in the workshop.
Lt. Gen.(Retd.) B.S. Dhaliwal, Advisor (Technical) to CM, Punjab was the chief guest.
Appreciating the initiative taken by Mr B.K. Srivastava, Director General, MGSIPAP, Lt. Gen.(Retd.) Dhaliwal, exhorted the members of engineers community to take effective steps for reducing the cost on various government projects by chalking out effective strategies keeping in view the global standards. He emphasized that detailed and minute studies must be done about the projects before submitting the proposals to the state government.
Mr. S. K. Sandhu, Secretary, PWD (B&R), Govt. of Punjab while participating in the deliberations highlighted different shortcomings in the delivery system of Engineering bodies. He lauded the efforts of the Institute in identifying some of the shortcomings and assured that the govt. shall encourage all such efforts for systematic improvement on receipt of the recommendations finalized during the workshop.
A working paper containing twelve suggestions propounded by Er. N. K. Aggarwal, Consultant, Centre for Management and Engineering Works (CMEW) was discussed in detail and the recommendations regarding Adherence to Punjab Common Scheduled of Rates by all Engineering Wings of the State, Development of
data base and its computerization for all infrastructure in the State, Regular Upkeep of Infrastructure, Establishment of Regulated source of supply of MBs and Indent Books, and Setting up of Distt. Technical Centres for Coordinated action in regard todevelopment of Infrastructure (including Public Utilities) were finalized. Thereafter, Er. Balraj Kumar, retired Chief Engineer PUDA suggested six measures by way of technical innovation for reducing cost of construction of Infrastructure.
Useful inputs were provided by Er. F. L.Kansal, Retd. Chairman, Pollution Control Board, Punjab, Er. T. S. Madan, Retd. MD, Pb. Water Supply & Sewerage Board, Er. V. K.Sharma, Retd. Chief Engineer, Irrigation Pb. Er. S. S. Sawany, Retd.Chief Engineer, PWD (B&R) and other experts also wherein need for strengthening of the Planning & Design Cells in the departments (including their restructuring),
introduction of new technology for speedy and cost effective delivery, skills development by way of training and field exposure to latest trends in construction were emphasized.
The workshop recognized the pioneer work undertaken by Er. Ashwani Sharma, Sr. Design Engineer, Irrigation, Punjab by structuring the programme for e-tendering and computerization of Measurement Books (MBs).
The workshop concluded with the decision to carry forward this initiative and meet again after three months.