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.
