BBMP chief insists civic body followed norms

BBMP chief insists civic body followed norms

Staff Reporter
No irregularities in pre-qualifying contractors for works: Meena
Bangalore: The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner Bharat Lal Meena insisted that the civic authority had followed norms while pre-qualifying contractors for infrastructure works worth Rs. 3,248 crore.

Addressing presspersons here on Friday, he said the notification for prequalification of tenders was issued on November 23, after the State Government gave its approval for the first phase of works. While last date to submit bids was December 29, it was later extended to January 8, for which there were 21 bidders.

On January 6, the BBMP notified that the financial bids would be opened on January 12, instead of January 16. “The work of reconciling the technical and financial bids began around 4.30 p.m. and went on into the night. On January 13, the Special Commissioner had a discussion with the eligible bidders. A negotiating committee has also been formed,” he said.

As the civic authority did not have the authority to award tenders for works amounting to more than Rs. 5 crore, the Government would have to approve the award of tenders to the contractors for all the 18 packages, Mr. Meena said. “The powers of the BBMP are limited. Work on the different projects will be taken up only after the Government’s approval.”

Asked if the financial and technical bids were scrutinised on January 12, before the model code of conduct for the BBMP polls came into effect on January 15, he said it was an ongoing procedure. “As per my understanding, ongoing procedures can continue. Nothing new can be taken up. These projects, which were even approved by the Cabinet, were announced a long time ago. The BBMP has not sent the bids to the Government,” he maintained.

Mr. Meena also claimed that no list had been approved as yet.

The BBMP Commissioner said that the bids were invited through e-tender. As there was no manual filing, there was no scope for manipulation. “The system is completely transparent. Access is restricted till the tender is opened. The bids are encrypted using a digital key. This means they cannot be tampered with.”

A highly placed source said the Government would have to seek permission from the State Election Commission to issue work orders. “As the election code of conduct came into force on January 15, the work order cannot be issued without the permission of the SEC,” the official added.