Probe Rs 1,000 crore tenders: Opposition

Bengaluru: BBMP opposition leader Padmanabha Reddy has questioned the state government’s decision to handover Rs 1,000 crore worth infrastructure projects under Nagarothana scheme to PWD. He said the move has raised questions regarding the integrity of the BBMP, being ruled by Congress–JD(S) coalition and allegations of kickbacks.

Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, he sought for a Technical Vigilance Committee under Commissioner (TVCC) probe into infrastructure works worth Rs 211 crore, for which the PWD has floated tenders. He suspected that inflated amount have been floated in the tenders. Wednesday was the last day for participating in the tender.

Reddy said that during the administrator’s tenure in BBMP,  PWD had floated tenders for 114 works at an estimating cost of Rs 342.42 crore. Suspecting the inflated estimation, the then administrator T.M. Vijay Bhaskar had ordered for TVCC probe for 30 random works worth Rs 140 crore. When the TVCC called for files for inquiry, the PWD came up with revised estimation of Rs 70 crore! Further, TVCC gave a report stating that these works could be executed in just Rs 50 crore and said that PWD had inflated the tender amount by Rs 90 crore. Subsequently, the tender was withdrawn.

“PWD had floated second tender for works worth Rs 211 crore and Wednesday is the last day for contractors to participate. I demand the same to be subjected to TVCC probe to ascertain if the tender amount is inflated. When BBMP has over 800 engineers of which 500 are on deputation from the PWD. When PWD has dearth of engineers how can it oversee projects worth Rs 1,000 crore,” Reddy questioned.

Since engineers on deputation would not have accountability who will monitor the defect liability and maintenance period of three years. The PWD is already mired in controversy of executing sub-standard work. If the state government has any intention to save tax payers’ money, a special meet should be convened with city legislators to discuss the same, said Reddy.

Chief Minister must take control over the city administration which is under his jurisdiction and get the work done in the interest of the city. BJP would hit the street if the tenders not subjected to TVCC probe.