Earth-moving machines lying unused for years

heavy earth-moving machines, purchased by the government for Rs 1.5 crore eight years ago for development work in the district, have become non-operational. Officials have never used these machines for any work. 

The machines have become rusty. Sources in the district administration revealed that these machines had not been used for the last four years. As per the government proposal, the supporting staff on these machines would get salary from the revenue generated by these machines. Sources at the block development and panchayat office (BDPO), Tarn Taran, confirmed that the machines were parked in the open for the last four years. The machines can be seen parked at the BDPO offices of the district. An official of the department confirmed that at least Rs 3 lakh was needed to make the machine operational. The driver of the machine has been attached with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Tarn Taran while the drivers of other machines were attached with  other officials but they are still drawing salary from the Rural and Panchayat Department. District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) Davinder Kumar said the government would soon begin the process to auction these old machines. 

Dispensaries ignored

The government-run Ayurvedic and Unani System of Medicine Services dispensaries  in this border district are on the verge of closure due to shortage of doctors, paramedical staff and medicines. The government has not supplied medicines to these institutions since 2017. Around 60 years ago, the then chief minister Partap Singh Kairon opened the first Government Ayurvedic Hospital at Bhail Dhai Wala village. About 10 years ago, the state government named it Swasth Kendra. From time to time, the government  opened 26 ayurvedic dispensaries in Nagoke, Kang, Bania, Sarli Kalan, Ekalgadda, Gaggobua, Naushehra Dhala , Johal Raju Singh, Pandori Sidhwan, Manochahal Kalan, Rataul, Sheikh, Dhotian, Harike, Chuselwar, Surwind, Makhi Khurad, Sidhwan, Bhangala, Valtoha, Margindpura besides in Tarn Taran town. The government sanctioned 27 posts of Ayurvedic doctors, 27 posts of upvaids (dispensers), trained ‘dais’ (midwives), besides 54 posts of part time workers (class IV) for all these dispensaries. There are only seven doctors, five dispensers and only 10 midwives working in these dispensaries while other post are lying vacant for decades. The posts of part time workers were filled on a meagre salary. Sources at the District Ayurvedic Office said the government  supplied medicines to these dispensaries in 2017. Dr Jarnail Singh, District Ayurvedic Officer, said it was in the notice of the department, but nothing had been done for its better functioning.