The Times of India        23.09.2014  

20 BMC officials named in Rs 3crore e-tendering scam

MUMBAI: The preliminary report on BMC's e-tendering scam indicates that more than 20 civic officials had indulged in malpractices while operating the online system which invites tenders for minor ward-level works. The report is expected to be submitted to civic commissioner Sitaram Kunte soon.

Earlier, 16 officials, including an assistant commissioner, had been named in the scam. Devendra Amberkar, opposition leader in the House, demanded suspension of officials involved in the scam. He also said that contractors who were part of the syndicate be blacklisted.

The matter was also discussed at the group leaders meeting held on Monday. "Though officials are trying to cover up the matter saying the losses were not much, a malpractice has taken place in the system. E-tendering was introduced to bring in transparency, but the purpose seems to have been defeated," said Amberkar.

An official said that the preliminary findings of the committee that was formed, under deputy municipal commissioner Vasant Prabhu, to look into the matter will be submitted to Kunte, who has the right to suspend the accused.

The loss is being estimated at nearly Rs 3 crore, the official added.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Vivekanand Gupta on Monday filed a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Bureau, alleging a nexus between civic officials, contractors and the company that developed the software.

"The preliminary inquiry report that has been submitted by the MCGM Test Audit and Vigilance Officer (TAVO) names senior civic officials who awarded around 49 contracts to a favored set of contractors. The TAVO has found that sub engineers and executive engineers from nine wards are involved in the scam. If the engineers are not being suspended, it is surprising," said Gupta.

The Hindu       19.09.2014  

City to have extensive surveillance network

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) in association with the city police announced their firm resolve to go ahead with installation of CCTV surveillance cameras extensively in phases at a total cost of Rs. 450 crore under the ‘Smart City Project’.

At a press conference here on Thursday, GHMC Commissioner Somesh Kumar, flanked by Mayor Mohd. Majid Hussain and Police Commissioner Mahender Reddy, estimated that at least 50,000 high-definition cameras as enunciated in the Public Safety Act have to be installed. Tendering process for the same will start soon. He expects the local business persons to chip in as they too will benefit from the heightened security facility. Police stations have been made the access points and cameras will be equipped to monitor and record happenings on roads. While the municipal corporation can check the condition of roads, traffic density and garbage disposal, other government departments can make use of the facility. The Mayor said that cameras will be installed first in ‘sensitive areas’ in each of the five municipal zones to control criminal activities. He claimed the project can also generate revenue by “charging” for the footage, though the prime objective is to control crime and make the city safe. A committee of senior officials, including the Hyderabad Collector, Mr. Somesh Kumar and Mr. Mahender Reddy, will decide the modalities of the project.

Mr. Reddy pointed out that Hyderabad will be the first city in the country to have such an extensive network to prevent crimes.

Hyderabad will be the first city in the country to have such an extensive network to prevent crimes

– Mahender Reddy

Police Commissioner