Kalachhara (North Tripura): Cracks have appeared in multiple sections of the newly built three-storey block at Kalachhara PM-Shri Vidyalaya in the Bagbasa Assembly constituency, even before its formal inauguration, prompting allegations of substandard construction from local residents.
Headmaster Bipradip Bhattacharya said the building, constructed at a cost of around Rs 8.66 crore, had its foundation stone laid by the Chief Minister, but has not yet been formally handed over to school authorities despite rapid completion. He acknowledged the possibility of substandard work but said he was unaware of the specific irregularities involved.
SMC member Abdul Kadir alleged that a monitoring committee overseeing construction became defunct after the previous headmaster’s transfer, resulting in poor supervision. He said cracks have appeared at all four corners of the building, and that repair work reportedly began only after residents filed RTI applications — raising further questions.
Allegations of corruption and payments to influential individuals to overlook poor-quality work have also surfaced through local sources, though these remain unverified and unconfirmed officially.
Residents have demanded an impartial probe into the construction quality and called for the Chief Minister’s intervention to ensure accountability.