Twitter
Advertisement

BMC orders another probe into e-tendering irregularities

Latest News
article-main
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

Based on a report submitted by the Test Audit and Vigilance Officer (TAVO) which has pointed out irregularities in the way civic officials have operated the e-tendering system, BMC commissioner Sitaram Kunte has ordered another inquiry into the matter. The online system invites tenders for minor ward-level work costing up to Rs 5 lakh. Deputy municipal commissioner Vasant Prabhu will be carrying out the probe.

The TAVO report has mentioned 16 officials who could have been responsible for irregularities on 49 projects across different wards. "The numbers could be more. For projects worth Rs 3 lakh, the tenders have to stay open for three days. But it has been observed that at times, the tenders have been shut within 15 minutes too, which could be to award the tender to a particular contractor. It could also be to show officials that a particular tender has not received any response, which was later awarded to a fixed contractor," said Congress leader Devendra Amberkar, adding that the TAVO report was handed over to Kunte.

Corporators across party lines have demanded that the new mode of e-tendering that was sought to bring in transparency while awarding of civil work contracts should be scrapped.

The contracts pertain to petty works such as minor road construction or desilting that are taken up at the ward-level through the local municipal councillor's development fund and ward committee fund.

Corporators claim that the e-tendering system is flawed and lengthy. "Even for urgent work, we have to go through the process which takes at least 30 to 45 days for approving every single tender," a corporator said.

The enquiry is expected to be completed in the next 10 to 15 days.

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement