Friday, December 12, 2008

Kalahandi contractors allege e-tendering irregularity

The Pioneer, Dec 12, 2008

PNS | Bhawanipatna
Even as the Government has started e-procurement in the tender filing systems, in which a contractor or a firm can submit the bid through online, chances of irregularities are still prevalent on the part of the Government officials. The recent instance has come to the fore after a high level enquiry in the e-tendering of crores of rupees funded by Asian Development Bank for road constructions.

The Contractors of Kalahandi district have written an objection letter on Wednesday to the Superintending Engineer, Rural Works Circle, Bhawanipatna demanding disqualification of the tender issued to Atharba Infrastructure.

The firm has not produced its PAN card and details of Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) to the bidder during e-procurement of the tender, the contractors alleged. Though the last date of receiving the application was December 4 by 3 pm, the firm has applied on December 5, they alleged further.

They demanded a thorough scrutiny of the irregularity made in the process of tendering.

When contacted, superintending engineer of Bhawanipatna Rural Works Circle said necessary procedures have been followed by him and the contractors' allegation has been forwarded to the chief engineer in Bhubaneswar.

The contractors have also submitted copies of their objection letter to the Chief Minister, the Secretary of Rural Works Department, the Chief Engineer and the Vigilance Cell in Cuttack.

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