Bandhwari, Gurgaon, with a private agency lodging a formal complaint against the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG). The complaint alleges significant discrepancies in the tendering process, casting a spotlight on potential violations of procurement norms.
The controversy revolves around a firm that recently secured the contract for secondary waste collection and transportation. According to the complainant, there are serious concerns about the propriety of the award process. The complaint, submitted to the MCG commissioner, alleges that the winning firm and another unsuccessful bidder share familial ties and common ownership, both being registered in Sonipat. This claim is supported by the observation that both companies operate under the same mobile number, a detail noted on their respective letterheads.
Additionally, the complainant argues that the awarded firm does not meet the stipulated requirement of having completed a project valued at Rs 1.5 crore, a criterion set out in the tender specifications. The complaint further alleges that the firm was awarded a contract for all four zones instead of the two zones it initially bid for, suggesting possible irregularities in the allocation process.
In response to the allegations, MCG Commissioner Banger stated that the matter would be thoroughly investigated by the chief engineer. The senior MCG official defended the integrity of the process, asserting that all participating agencies met the technical criteria outlined in the tender. The official also highlighted that the decision to award the contract to the lowest bidder was a prudent fiscal choice, emphasising the importance of judicious use of public funds. The official countered the claims regarding the project value, noting that the tender requirements allow for the completion of multiple smaller projects to satisfy the financial criteria. This flexibility, they argued, ensures that the selection process remains fair and aligned with the principles of cost-efficiency and public accountability.
As the investigation proceeds, the focus remains on ensuring transparency and fairness in the contract award process, which has become a focal point of public scrutiny and administrative review.
