Haridwar municipal corporation halts vendor payments over Deepotsav irregularities
Haridwar: The municipal corporation of Haridwar has suspended payments to vendors involved in last year's Deepotsav celebration held on Nov 11, to mark Uttarakhand Day, after financial discrepancies came to light.
The event, which cost Rs 70 lakh had already seen half the payment released before issues surfaced regarding a land deal related to the celebrations, leading to the suspension of the district magistrate and other officials.
The corporation had issued a short-term tender for procuring 2.5 lakh diyas (earthen lamps) with cotton threads, 20,000 litres of sesame oil, 3,000 candles, and matchboxes for the celebration.
Reports indicate that the supplier charged Rs 20 lakh for diyas and threads, and Rs 50 lakh for the oil. The total bill submitted amounted to Rs 70.36 lakh.
Following objections raised by social activists, the corporation has withheld the remaining payment of Rs 35 lakh, pending a special audit. Municipal commissioner Nandan Kumar told TOI, "We have filed for special audit as per govt order. Further action will be taken accordingly based on findings."
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Social activist JP Badoni said, "The people of Uttarakhand sacrificed a lot for the formation of the state and now irregularities are now being committed in the name of Uttarakhand day celebration. The items were supplied at highly inflated prices and strict action must be taken in the matter."
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