Kerala Tourism Minister Mr. P A Mohamed Riyas announced that the state cabinet’s green light for establishing a dedicated Engineering Section within the Tourism Department would streamline project execution in the vital sector, ensuring both efficiency and fiscal prudence while upholding quality standards and accountability.
“This decision comes at a crucial juncture as Kerala Tourism surges toward unprecedented growth. The establishment of a separate Engineering Section will accelerate project implementation, ensuring cost-effectiveness and maintaining high standards of quality. This move will significantly enhance accountability in project execution,” stated Mr. Riyas.
Henceforth, the newly formed Engineering Section will be entrusted with ensuring the timely completion of new projects within set timelines and budget constraints, as well as the upkeep of existing assets, with utmost accountability, the Minister emphasized.
Currently, approximately 416 projects with a total worth of around Rs 250 crore, including those with central assistance, are underway. These projects are being overseen by various agencies under the supervision of 17 project engineers employed on a contractual basis within the Tourism Department.
Under the existing setup, these agencies charge for project execution and impose centage charges ranging from 4 to 7 percent of the agreed Probable Amount of Contract (PAC). Establishing an Engineering Section within the department is expected to significantly reduce financial commitments compared to the current arrangement, noted the Minister.
Furthermore, it will enhance quality control by ensuring the use of high-quality materials, preventing cost escalations resulting from project revisions, implementing effective measurement mechanisms, and fostering greater accountability at all project stages, he added.
The cabinet has approved the creation of 10 posts for the engineering section, comprising one Executive Engineer, seven Assistant Executive Engineers, and two Assistant Engineers under the Engineering wing. These appointments will be temporary for three years, with officers appointed on deputation from various other government departments.
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