Vadodara Lokpal Resignation Letter Reveals Violation of Tender Norms and Scam Cover-Up

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : Vadodara Lokpal Resigns Over Violation of Master Circulars in Tender Scam

Vadodara Lokpal, Prashant Rupera, has submitted his resignation citing a major tender scam in the city. In his resignation letter, Rupera highlights the violation of master circulars for the years 2021-22 and 2022-23, which are meant to be followed while inviting tenders for various works.

According to the letter, the scam came to light in December 2022, when Rupera noticed a copy-paste pattern in the tenders from all eight talukas of Vadodara district. This raised suspicion, and upon further investigation, it was revealed that the same practice was followed in other talukas of Gujarat as well.

The letter emphasizes that the basic principles and codal procedures prescribed in the tender conditions were completely disregarded. Rupera states that he informed the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) about the irregularities and urged them to take action. However, no action was taken, and the recovery of government funds was not made.

“Inquiry should have been conducted in all seven remaining talukas, similar to what was done in Karjan taluka. The failure to do so has resulted in a loss of both the principal amount and the interest on the principal amount,” the letter states.

Rupera also highlights the inaction of the Central Rural Development Authority (CRD) despite his persistent reminders. He states that he informed CRD in March 2023 about the issue and urged them to rectify the process for the year 2023-24. However, no steps were taken, and tenders violating the master circulars were allowed to be invited for the upcoming year as well.

The tender scam has raised concerns about the transparency and integrity of the tendering process in Gujarat. It has exposed a systematic violation of rules and regulations, leading to a potential loss of government funds. The resignation of Vadodara Lokpal Prashant Rupera brings this issue to the forefront and calls for immediate action to rectify the situation.

In recent times, similar cases of tender scams have been reported in different parts of India. One such case is the labour cartage and transportation tenders scam in Nawanshahr grain markets, Punjab. Several individuals, including former minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, have been charged with fraud and causing losses to the state exchequer. The investigation revealed fake vehicle registration numbers and false reporting of food grain quantities. Five accused have been arrested so far in this case.

In another case, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau arrested Ajaypal in connection with the same labour cartage and transportation tenders scam. Former food and civil supplies minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu is among those accused of committing fraud. The investigation found evidence of fake vehicles and manipulated reporting, leading to embezzlement of food grains.

Meanwhile, in Kochi, the Sports Kerala Foundation (SKF) has floated tenders for the relaying of the synthetic track at Maharajas College Ground. The estimated cost of the project is around Rs 6.9 crore, and it is expected to be completed before June 2024. The SKF aims to start the work in January to avoid delays caused by rain. The chosen contractor will need to provide a three-year performance guarantee, and the track will be certified by the International Athletic Association before payment is made. The renovation of the hockey turf at the college is also being planned, with funding promised by Cochin Smart Mission Limited.

The tender scams and irregularities exposed in various parts of India highlight the need for stricter regulations and more stringent monitoring of the tendering process. Authorities must take immediate action to investigate and punish those involved in such fraudulent activities to ensure transparency and accountability in public procurement..