Uttarakhand: The Dhami government has once again taken strict action against corruption; BRIDCUL’s MD, NP Singh, who was facing corruption charges, has been removed from his post

The Uttarakhand-based construction agency, Bridge Ropeway, Tunnel and Other Infrastructure Development Corporation (BRIDCUL), is once again in the spotlight. The state government has taken a major step against BRIDCUL’s Managing Director, N.P. Singh, issuing orders for his immediate removal from the post. The government has relieved him of his current duties and attached him to the office of the Additional Secretary, Public Works Department.

A complaint against the BRIDCUL Managing Director has created significant trouble for him. Following this complaint, submitted via affidavit, the government issued orders for his removal. Significantly, the complaint against Managing Director N.P. Singh also reached the Chief Minister’s office, and the decision to remove him was taken only after approval at the highest level.

The order issued by the government makes it clear that the administrative reshuffle at the top level of BRIDCUL was prompted by a serious complaint. It is reported that a company sent a serious complaint related to corruption to the Chief Minister’s office through an affidavit. Considering the complaint serious, the government decided to take immediate action. The order states that the allegations are of a very serious nature and require a high-level, impartial investigation.

N.P. Singh was appointed as the Managing Director of BRIDCUL in June 2024. Previously, he had served as Chief Engineer in the Public Works Department and was appointed to BRIDCUL after his retirement. During his tenure, the agency was working on several major projects, but the allegations against him have now cast a shadow over the entire department.

The government order also clearly states that the investigation could be influenced if he remained in such a high-ranking position as Managing Director. Therefore, to ensure impartiality, his removal from the post was necessary. For this reason, he will be kept away from the Managing Director’s position until the investigation is complete.

Now, along with a departmental inquiry, the possibility of an investigation by an independent agency is also being considered. The government wants to ensure that there is no doubt about the veracity of the allegations and that the investigation is completely transparent. BRIDCUL is considered one of the state’s most important construction agencies, responsible for executing projects such as bridges, ropeways, tunnels, and other major infrastructure projects. The allegations against its top official have therefore impacted the department’s reputation. Following the government’s action, all eyes are now on the upcoming investigation, which will determine the veracity of the allegations and the further course of action in the entire matter.