Maharashtra orders probes Rs 60 crore vaccine equipment tender irregularities
The complaint further states that multiple applicants were disqualified on technical grounds, leaving only two companies in contention. These two reportedly withdrew their bids for the alternate tenders, resulting in each company being the sole eligible bidder for one contract. This sequence of events raised concerns of possible cartelisation and alleged collusion with officials in the DDHS office.advertisementFourteen points of allegations have been raised in the complaint, including manipulation of the tendering process to favour specific companies, questionable disqualification of other applicants, and suspiciously fast-tracked payments. Although an initial audit cleared the DDHS officials and the companies involved, the complainant has challenged the findings and is considering approaching the Bombay High Court.Interestingly, while the department claims that no payments have been released, the complaint alleges that large sums were already disbursed, despite pending deliveries or records of simultaneous deliveries at multiple locations on the same day.Responding to the allegations, Dr Nitin Devmane, Officer on Special Duty to the Maharashtra Health Minister, confirmed the formation of a high-level inquiry committee."A high-level inquiry committee has been set up to probe the alleged irregularities, and we are awaiting the report from that committee. Once the Committee submits the report, as per the report, appropriate action will be taken," he said. He also added, "No payments for the two contracts have been released and won't be released till the inquiry report is tabled."The inquiry committee, constituted by the Secretary of the Health Department, is currently reviewing the matter.- Ends
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