THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
The Public Works Department’s decision to cancel the Class I-AA (Super) enlistment granted to M/s Bagkiya Constructions Pvt Ltd has prompted a review of government contracts awarded to the firm while it held the highest contractor classification.
In an official order issued on June 5, the Office of the Principal Chief Engineer, PWD, withdrew the firm’s upgraded enlistment status and reverted it to its earlier category. The development subsequently raised questions about whether contracts secured during the period of enhanced eligibility complied with tender conditions and procurement norms.
Official sources told The Goan that the cancellation could have implications for several ongoing public works being executed by the contractor across government departments and agencies, including the PWD, Water Resources Department, Goa Tourism Development Corporation, Goa Industrial Development Corporation and Smart City projects.
“Every contract awarded on the strength of the Class I-AA (Super) eligibility will have to be examined to determine whether the contractor met the prescribed eligibility criteria independently of the cancelled enlistment,” an official source said, citing that the Vigilance Department could be roped in again.
Sources further stated that departments concerned may be required to verify the basis on which contracts were awarded, assess whether any material information submitted during the enlistment or bidding process warrants further scrutiny, and determine whether contractual remedies are necessary.
“The existing contracts will not automatically become invalid because of the cancellation. Instead, each project would have to be reviewed individually to establish whether eligibility at the time of bidding depended on the higher enlistment status and whether any contractual provisions relating to misrepresentation or loss of eligibility are attracted,” the official explained, adding, “Cancellation of enlistment is one issue. The effect on individual contracts is a separate matter that must be examined on a case-by-case basis.”
Sources also revealed that if any inquiry establishes deliberate submission of false information, forged documents or suppression of material facts to secure the higher enlistment or public contracts, authorities could consider action ranging from debarment and blacklisting proceedings to recovery of losses and criminal prosecution, subject to due process.
The government is also expected to examine the circumstances under which the higher enlistment was granted, and whether existing verification mechanisms for contractor credentials require strengthening, officials said.
