A'bad civic body violating model road contract rule: Congress

The Opposition Congress in the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) on Monday met chief vigilance commissioner and submitted proofs about corruption in the model road project undertaken by AMC. Congress was assured of a high-level inquiry into this alleged corruption issue.

A four-member delegation, led by leader of opposition Badruddin Shaikh and comprising Surendra Baxi, Liyaqat Ghori and Archana Makwana, presented their case to secretary of chief vigilance commissioner’s office in Gandhinagar.

“We had made several representations to the vigilance commissioner, on the basis of which they invited us for a hearing and submission of proofs about corruption in AMC’s various projects,” said Shaikh.

According to Shaikh, the contractor hired by AMC for the model road project is financially incapable of completing the project. However, the civic body still awarded him three contracts, which also violates the rule of maximum two contracts per contractor.

"He is actually eligible for only one bid as he has only one hot mix plant, alleged Shaikh.  AMC will levy only 0.78% penalty on the contractor in case of delay in work but it will have to pay much more for difference in price of bitumen due to delay in the work," added Shaikh.

"These facts prove that the BJP is favouring the contractor leading to suspicion of corruption," said Shaikh.