Chandigarh: In a significant administrative appointment aimed at strengthening quality oversight in government projects, the Haryana government has appointed retired IAS officer Sameer Pal Srow (2002 batch) as the Chairperson of the Haryana Quality Assurance Authority (QAA).
The appointment, announced through an official government release, comes at a time when the state has intensified its focus on ensuring high-quality public infrastructure and efficient delivery of government services.
Appointment Aims to Strengthen Quality Oversight
According to the Haryana government, Srow brings decades of administrative experience to the position and is expected to enhance the Quality Assurance Authority’s monitoring of quality standards across government departments, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and welfare programmes.
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The authority plays a crucial role in evaluating the quality of public works, promoting transparency and accountability, and improving the implementation of government policies and services.
His appointment is expected to reinforce Haryana’s efforts to improve governance while ensuring better execution of development projects.
CM Nayab Singh Saini’s Focus on Quality Infrastructure
The appointment follows Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s recent directive reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards poor-quality construction in public projects.
During a recent review meeting of the Quality Assurance Authority, the Chief Minister instructed all departments to strictly adhere to prescribed construction specifications, with particular emphasis on road infrastructure.
He warned that officers and employees found responsible for negligence, substandard construction, or violations of rules would face strict disciplinary action.
Expanded Role for Technical Audits
The Chief Minister also directed the Quality Assurance Authority to expand its periodic technical audits to include projects executed by Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) operating in Haryana.
The review covered projects undertaken by departments including:
- Irrigation
- Public Works
- Power
- Public Health Engineering
Technical audit reports assessing project planning, construction quality, compliance with standards, and areas requiring improvement were presented during the meeting.
Key Reform Measures Suggested
During the review, several governance reforms were discussed to improve quality assurance in public infrastructure.
These include:
- Linking contractor payments with quality performance.
- Conducting social cost-benefit and environmental impact assessments for major projects.
- Revising the Haryana Schedule of Rates every six months.
- Framing a comprehensive policy to improve quality and safety standards in private, particularly multi-storey, buildings.
- Initiating time-bound disciplinary proceedings wherever technical audits identify negligence or violations.
Who Is Sameer Pal Srow?
Mr Srow is a retired IAS officer of the Haryana cadre with an extensive administrative career spanning several important leadership assignments.
Over the years, he has held several key positions in the Haryana government, including:
- Chairman, State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), appointed by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
- Director General/Director, Haryana Information, Public Relations and Languages Department.
- Deputy Commissioner, Panipat.
- Municipal Commissioner, Panipat.
- Ex-officio Director, Haryana Fire Services.
Known for his administrative expertise, Srow has worked extensively in the areas of governance reforms, environmental clearances, public administration, and service delivery.
Role of Haryana Quality Assurance Authority
The Haryana Quality Assurance Authority is responsible for monitoring and evaluating quality standards in government departments, public sector undertakings, and welfare schemes.
Its mandate includes strengthening transparency, improving accountability, conducting technical audits, and ensuring that government infrastructure and public services meet prescribed quality benchmarks.
With Sameer Pal Srow at the helm, the authority is expected to further strengthen oversight mechanisms and support the state’s efforts to deliver high-quality public infrastructure and citizen-centric governance.
