Indian Express: Pimpri-Chinchwad:
Tuesday, February 05, 2013.
The
Pimpri-Chinchwad Shiv Sena has alleged serious irregularities in purchase of
‘odo fresh’ - a compound spread on garbage to reduce foul odour - for Rs 25
lakh by the environment engineering department of the Pimpri-Chinchwad
Municipal Corporation (PCMC).
In a letter
submitted to Municipal Commissioner Shrikar Pardeshi, the Sena alleged that
there was manipulation in tender process as one company with three names bid
for the contract. “There was no competitive bidding. The same company quoted
different rates for the same product,” said Sena corporator Seema Savle based
on an RTI reply received from the PCMC.
Savle said
only 150 litres of ‘odo fresh’ was required for the Moshi garbage depot but the
civic body purchased 1,275 litres. “This means, the civic body has incurred a
loss of nearly Rs 17 lakh,” said Savle.
Savle said
two companies who bid for the contract are in partnership. “Some of their
directors are also same. One of the companies was not eligible to take part in
the bidding process as it was set up a year ago. However, it was allowed to do
so. One company which was a labour contractor firm was allowed to participate
under the guise of a chemical supplier,” said Savle.
She said it
was made to believe there was competitive bidding. “Actually, no bidding took
place. Besides, the plan was to purchase 240 litres of the product but 1,275
litres was purchased,” she added.
“One product,
one contractor and three different rates..this is what has come to light
through RTI. This was done either without civic chief’s knowledge or he glossed
over them,” she said.
Interestingly,
the allegation made by Sena against civic administration are the same that were
levelled by the Municipal Commissioner against PCMC health chief Dr Anand
Jagdale. In his department enquiry order, Pardeshi had stated that Dr
Jagdale had
recommended purchase of a costly machine that was not required. “Besides, there
was no competitive bidding,” he had alleged.
At a press
conference on Monday, Sena leader Sarang Kamtekar, said, “Municipal
Commissioner is the final authority to approve the proposal. Similar was the
case in Dr Jagdale’s case. Now, will the Municipal Commissioner take action
against his administration and himself ?.”
Denying
allegations, PCMC executive engineer Sanjay Kulkarni, said, “I have not
received any complaint from Sena. We have not purchased the product in bulk as
has been alleged.”
He, however,
conceded that the final authority in approving the plan is the commissioner and
the standing committee. PCMC officials said since the Municipal Commissioner
was in Mumbai for a meeting with the Chief Minister, he will look into matter
after he returns.
After second
threat letter, PCMC chief’s security stepped up The police have stepped up
security for Municipal Commissioner Shrikar Pardeshi following a second “threat
letter” was received by the civic body last week. The first letter threatening
to harm Pardeshi was received by PCMC in June. Deputy Commissioner of Police
(Zone III) Shahaji Umap on Monday said they have provided round-the-clock
security to the Municipal Commissioner both at his residence and at the civic
headquarters. “The number of security guards have been increased from two to
four,” he said. Pardeshi id under fire from citizens whose illegal structures
built after March 31, 2012 are being demolished by his administration. “There
is feeling that we are carrying the drive on our own. But the fact is that we
are implementing the directives of the High Court,” he said.
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