Chennai, Aug 31:
The Tamil Nadu government has cancelled 21 limited tenders floated by the Highways Department in Chennai after anti-corruption organisation Arappor Iyakkam raised questions over the restricted bidding process and the proposed appointment of technical assistants.
The tenders, each valued at around Rs 10 lakh, were issued as limited tenders rather than through open online bidding. Arappor Iyakkam had questioned the need for repeatedly adopting the restricted tender route.
The organisation had also sought clarification on the necessity of appointing additional technical personnel for Chennai City Roads Divisions-I and II.
According to Arappor Iyakkam, Division-I has nine assistant engineers, four assistant divisional engineers, one divisional engineer and eight draftsmen. Division-II has eight assistant engineers, four assistant divisional engineers, one divisional engineer and eight draftsmen.
The organisation said all the sanctioned technical posts in the two divisions were occupied. Together, the divisions had 43 sanctioned technical posts, including 27 engineers and 16 draftsmen, it said.
Against this backdrop, Arappor Iyakkam had questioned the rationale for issuing tenders for technical assistance.
It also alleged that repeatedly floating limited tenders could restrict competition and potentially allow only contractors favoured by departmental engineers to participate.
Following the cancellation, the organisation welcomed the government’s decision and thanked it for responding to the concerns raised.
However, Arappor Iyakkam called for broader reforms in the tendering process. It urged the government to ensure that departmental tenders are floated through open online bidding to improve transparency and competition.
The organisation also sought amendments to tender laws to make transparent bidding mandatory and called for action against public servants found responsible for any irregularities.
The cancellation is likely to put renewed focus on the manner in which government departments award smaller-value contracts and the safeguards required to ensure competitive bidding and accountability.