the goan I network
MARGAO
A PWD contractor has vowed to challenge a 2001 note issued by the Deputy Chief Minister Ravi Naik and circulars issued by PWD engineers barring contractors from quoting more than 20 per cent below the estimated cost, saying the note not only offers vast scope for corruption, but also defeats the very purpose of e-tendering, which was introduced to curb corruption.
The contractor, Mohandas Lolienkar, who is also a leader of the Goa Forward, said the 2001 note only gives powers to the Ministers and MLAs to handpick the contractor of his choice on extraneous considerations. Lolienkar said the malaise, which had started in the PWD since 2001, has now percolated down to other bodies, including the Municipalities and panchayats, besides the corporations. He has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary that he would knock the doors of the High Court if he is not granted relief by the PWD.
Addressing the media, Lolienkar said he had participated in a road resurfacing and construction tender at Canacona at a cost of Rs 33.31 lakh, which was the lowest bid. He, however, hastened to add that the Executive Engineer, WD XXV road was quick to reject the tender only on the ground that he had quoted more than 20 per cent below the estimated cost. “When I questioned the PWD officials, I was told that the decision was taken as per a 2001 note issued by then Deputy Chief Minister Ravi Naik barring the PWD officials from accepting tenders which are below 20 per cent of the estimated cost,” he said.
Lolienkar said that the note issued by Ravi Naik is bad in law since it is does not conform to laid down rules and norms. “Ravi Naik cannot issues as per his “desire” as stated in the note. Again, then Principal Chief Engineer, PWD A M Wachasunder issued a circular on November 12, 2007 calling for rejection of tenders where the quoted amount if more than 20 per cent below,” he added.
Lolienkar claimed that barring contractors from quoting more than 20 per cent below the estimated cost only helps the department heads, besides the Ministers and MLAs to indulge in corruption. “When all the contractors quote 20 per cent below the estimated cost, it means that the department head upon instructions from the Ministers and MLAs decides on the contractor as per his choice,” he said.
Lolienkar further pointed out that the very purpose of e-tendering, which was brought about to ensure transparency, is defeated by the 2001 note.
