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The tourism department will now have a dedicated engineering section to facilitate time-bound and cost-effective implementation of projects in the tourism sector. This proposal for setting up a separate section was approved by the state cabinet, and this will further ensure quality and accountability.
"This decision holds importance as it coincides with the period when Kerala Tourism is experiencing remarkable growth, aiming to surpass previous records. The establishment of a distinct engineering section will facilitate the swift execution of diverse projects in a cost-efficient manner, upholding high quality. Moreover, it will elevate accountability in project implementation," said Tourism Minister, Mr P. A. Mohamed Riyas.
This wing will see to it that new assets are created within the time frame, and project costs set for them and the existing ones are maintained well, with an utmost sense of accountability, the minister said.
Currently, there are 416 projects worth Rs 250 crore in progress, including those with the central assistance. Multiple agencies are undertaking these tasks, overseen by 17 project engineers within the Tourism Department, all of whom are employed on a contractual basis.
The agencies charge fees for project execution, and also levy centage charges that range from 4 to 7 per cent of the agreed Probable Amount of Contract (PAC) under this arrangement. The formation of an engineering section within the department will considerably reduce the financial commitment compared to the existing arrangement, the minister said.
Furthermore, it will elevate quality control by guaranteeing the use of superior materials, preventing cost escalations resulting from project cost revisions, implementing an efficient measurement mechanism, and introducing increased accountability in every stage of the work, noted the minister.
The cabinet has sanctioned the creation of 10 positions for the engineering section, comprising one Executive Engineer, seven Assistant Executive Engineers, and two Assistant Engineers. These appointments will be temporary, spanning three years, with officers selected on deputation from various government departments.
