BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 17th June 2025: A total of 170 employees of the Public Works Department (PWD) Internal Electrification Division in Ambassa remain unpaid for the month of May raising concerns over administrative inefficiencies and financial mismanagement. Despite repeated appeals, salaries have not been disbursed leaving lower-level employees in distress.
Sources informed that the delay stems from the refusal of the Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO), Sujit Das and the department’s Engineer to sign salary bills. The issue reportedly arose due to complications involving employees who have taken bank loans and those set to retire in June and July. Instead of processing salaries separately, the department has withheld payments for all employees.
Further allegations suggest that financial irregularities have taken place within the department. Reports indicate that some employees have opened multiple bank accounts and redirected their salaries, bypassing loan deductions. An employee named Ravi Debbarma is alleged to have facilitated these transactions leading to suspicions of fraudulent activity.
Speaking on the matter, Executive Engineer Sujit Das denied any negligence on the department’s part, stating, “A special circular was issued from higher authorities, but its implementation faced challenges. Additionally, I have been on medical leave for a month, which has contributed to the delay. Salaries will be credited soon.”
Employees have also raised concerns over bribery and bureaucratic hurdles within the department. Reports indicate that withdrawing money from the General Provident Fund (GPF) requires a 5-8% commission, while obtaining a salary certificate takes up to five months. The department, which oversees electrification projects across Dhalai, Unakoti, Khowai and North Tripura districts has been accused of fostering an environment of financial exploitation.
With mounting frustration, employees are demanding immediate intervention to resolve the crisis and ensure timely salary payments. The situation highlights broader concerns about accountability and transparency within the PWD’s financial operations.
