Pulwama, Jan 15 (KNS): While the district administration Pulwama has kept the installation of solar street lights on hold after objection by DDC members over purchase of the lights on exorbitant rates, Jammu Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JKEDA) says it installs solar lights on lesser cost than purchased by the Rural Development Department Pulwama. 

Officials in JAKEDA confirmed to KNS that  they  install similar solar light for Rs 12,790 only which include GST, installation and carriage cost besides free maintenance for a period of five years. 

Officals in JKEDA says it has come to their notice that most of the District administrations are purchasing solar street lights in connivance with local vendors on double the cost of the system after manipulating the rates on GeM portal. 

"In the garb of it making huge money, which is a big scandle,  costs are being manipulated on GeM portal," they said. 

Pertinently, solar street installing scandle has come to fore in Pulwama district where DDC members alleged that Assitant Commissioner Development (ACD) has allowed purchase of lights on exorbitant rates by his favourite contractors. 

The ACD has denied this saying that due process of law was followed. While another official claimed in media that solar street lights of JKEDA cost Rs 22000 excluding GST and other costs. 

Officials in JAKEDA said that Rural Development Department does not have the mandate to purchase solar lights and devices 

"The Government of UT and especially Rural Development Department shall ensure that the mandate of solar energy is with JAKEDA and shall ensure all procurements through JAKEDA only," they said. 

"Across the UT it shall be probed on whose behest Rural Development Department is purchasing solar devices at their own in absence of expertise and mandate," they said. (KNS)