Kumar Bahukhandi
Chhattisgarh Minister and Bhatgaon MLA Laxmi Rajwade, who on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, directed the Surajpur district administration to inspect deteriorating roads constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and ensure prompt repairs. She has also called for contractors to fulfil their maintenance obligations and warned of disciplinary action against officials found negligent;Photo:creditchannel24india.com via CG/DPR
Bhatgaon MLA Directs Inspection of Damaged Rural Roads, Holds Contractors Accountable During Guarantee Period and Warns Officials of Disciplinary Action for Negligence
Key Highlights
- Minister Laxmi Rajwade takes serious note of the deteriorating condition of roads constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in the Bhatgaon Assembly constituency.
- Surajpur Collector directed to inspect the affected roads and assess their actual condition.
- Contractors to undertake repairs of roads still covered by the contractual guarantee period.
- Minister demands timely repairs, strict quality monitoring and accountability for delays.
- Disciplinary action to be initiated against officials or employees found negligent, in accordance with applicable rules.
Raipur: Chhattisgarh Minister and Bhatgaon MLA Laxmi Rajwade has taken a firm stand against the deteriorating condition of rural roads constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in Surajpur district, directing the district administration to inspect the damaged stretches and ensure immediate repairs. Acting on complaints received from villagers and local public representatives during her visits to the constituency, the Minister has written to the Surajpur Collector, making it clear that negligence in maintaining government-funded roads will not be tolerated.
Villagers’ Complaints Prompt Ministerial Intervention
The Minister’s intervention follows concerns raised by residents and elected representatives over the poor condition of several rural roads in the Bhatgaon Assembly constituency.
During her visits to the region, villagers informed her that damaged roads were creating difficulties in everyday travel and affecting movement between rural settlements.
The complaints were particularly concerning because some of the affected roads had been constructed relatively recently.
Taking cognisance of the situation, Rajwade instructed the district administration to initiate corrective measures rather than allow the roads to deteriorate further.
Collector Directed to Conduct Ground-Level Inspection
In her communication to the Surajpur Collector, the Minister called for a physical inspection of roads included in the list submitted by the department.
She directed officials to assess their actual condition and identify the stretches requiring repairs.
The emphasis on ground-level verification is significant because administrative records alone may not adequately reflect the condition of roads being used daily by rural residents.
The inspection is expected to help determine the extent of damage and the measures required to restore safe and convenient travel.
Contractors Must Repair Roads Under Guarantee Period
A central element of Rajwade’s instructions concerns roads that remain within their contractual guarantee period.
The Minister has directed that repairs to such roads be carried out by the respective contractors in accordance with the terms of their agreements.
This places responsibility for rectifying defects on the agencies contractually obligated to maintain the roads during the specified period.
The direction also reinforces the principle that public infrastructure projects must meet prescribed quality and maintenance requirements even after construction is completed.
No Tolerance for Delays or Negligence
Rajwade has instructed the administration to ensure that repair work begins without unnecessary delay and that its quality is closely monitored.
She has also warned that officers and employees found responsible for delays or negligence should face disciplinary action under the applicable rules.
The Minister has sought a report from the Collector on the action taken.
Her directions underline that the issue is not confined to repairing damaged road surfaces but also involves fixing administrative responsibility and ensuring that contractual obligations are fulfilled.
Rural Roads Are Essential for Everyday Life
The Minister emphasised the importance of reliable roads for rural communities, particularly in areas where residents depend on road connectivity for access to essential services.
Damaged roads can make travel difficult for farmers, students, workers and families seeking medical attention.
Under the PMGSY, rural road connectivity is intended to improve access to markets, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and other services.
Poor maintenance can undermine these benefits, making regular inspection and timely repairs essential.
Accountability Must Extend Beyond Construction
The Minister’s intervention brings attention to a wider issue in public infrastructure management: the need to ensure that roads remain serviceable after their construction.
Completing a road project is only one part of the responsibility. Monitoring its condition, enforcing maintenance provisions and responding to public complaints are equally important.
By directing the administration to enforce contractual guarantee provisions, Rajwade has sought to ensure that repair responsibilities are not overlooked.
Minister Seeks Prompt Action and Lasting Improvement
The Surajpur administration has been instructed to assess the affected roads, initiate necessary repairs and keep the Minister informed of the action taken.
Rajwade has made it clear that the quality and maintenance of roads constructed under government schemes must remain a priority.
The effectiveness of the intervention will ultimately be judged by the timely restoration of the damaged roads and the improvement experienced by villagers who depend on them for daily travel.
For residents of the Bhatgaon constituency, the immediate expectation is straightforward: roads built to improve connectivity must remain safe, usable and properly maintained.
