RTI query reveals two plum health contracts were given to Shewale's son.
At a time when the civic administration is finding itself at the receiving end at various civic meetings due to malaria and dengue deaths in the satellite city, an RTI query has revealed that two contracts for fumigation, covering ten of the 20 blocks in the city, have been awarded to two firms owned by former standing committee chief Sampath Shewale’s son. The Indian Youth Congress, the youth wing of the Congress, has alleged that it is the “ring” system adopted by contractors allegedly close to the ruling Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) that is responsible for paralysis of healthcare in Navi Mumbai.
In a letter to the municipal commissioner, the IYC has demanded a thorough inquiry into the awarding of contracts for fumigation and for control of malaria and dengue. The Youth Congress has also demanded disqualification of former standing committee chairman Sampat Shewale from the post of corporator as his son Sachin has been awarded the contract for this work. It has demanded that Shewale should be disqualified as per the provisions of the Bombay Provincial Municipal Corporation Act.
Sudhir Patil, resident of Agroligaon and general secretary of Indian Youth Congress, who filed Right to Information (RTI) query in this regard, said, “The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has been allocating crores for control of malaria and dengue in the satellite city. This is in addition to the grants received from the state and central government for malaria and dengue control. However, despite all the efforts, malaria and dengue continue to spread.”
Patil added, “The “ring” system adopted by the contractors wherein they distribute work among themselves is responsible for the total mess. Work of fumigation and for control of malaria and dengue has been awarded in 20 blocks. The work is being carried out by M/S SoBest Services, Suraj Enterprises, Nation Techno Pest Control, Kalpataru Hospitality and M/s Palave Pest Control.”
Of these, SoBest and Suraj Enterprises are controlled by Shewale, alleges the Indian Youth Congress. “Though both are shown as different entities on record, these firms are located in the same place, i.e. D-56, sector 17, Vashi,” says Patil.
While SoBest looks after CBD, Shirawane, Juhugaon, Vashigaon, and Shirawane; Suraj Enterprises has been entrusted with the responsibility of Karave, Nerul-II, Mahape, Katkaripada and Airoli regions. Nation Techo Pest Control looks after Rabale, Digha, and Iltanpada; while M/S Palave Pest Control takes care of Turbhe, Pawane, Khairane, and Chinchpada.
The Youth Congress has alleged corruption in awarding these contracts and demanded an inquiry against officers responsible for this mess.
“Because these contractors are not following norms for fumigation and control of dengue and malaria, these cases are on rise in the city. Although there is a provision for penalising such contractors, no steps have been taken by the civic administration since these people are close to ruling party in the civic body,” said Patil.
He demanded that contractors should be blacklisted and case of culpable homicide should be filed against them.
What happened
Youth wing of Congress has alleged that it is the “ring” system adopted by contractors allegedly close to the ruling Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) that was responsible for paralysis of healthcare in Navi Mumbai
An RTI query has revealed that two contracts for fumigation, covering ten of the 20 blocks in the city, have been awarded to two firms owned by the son of former standing committee chief Sampath Shewale
Youth Congress demands a case of culpable homicide must be filed
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}