The Hindu 14.11.2009
Free schoolbags: bids called again
Deepa H Ramakrishnan
— File Photo 
QUALITY FIRST: The Corporation has laid down strict norms for supply of schoolbags.
CHENNAI: The implementation of a new scheme to provide schoolbags free of cost to stdents of Chennai Corporation schools is expected to be further delayed. With the suppliers not conforming to tender specifications, the Corporation has called for bids again.
The decision to provide schoolbags was announced in the Corporation Budget in February. Subsequently, the civic body invited bids for supply of over one lakh schoolbags. A total of 11 manufacturers and dealers had participated in the tender and some of them passed the financial bid stage.
However, when the samples were tested, they did not conform to standards. In the new tender, valued at Rs.1.56 crore, the Corporation has specified different sizes for different classes and that all the bags should have double stitching. It also said that front pockets, nylon handles and pockets to hold water bottles must be provided. The successful bidder is required to supply bags within 15 days of signing the agreement.