large-scale tender-fixing and interference of gangsters in execution of various project works in Ganjam district have raised concern here and posed a serious threat to the genuine contractors.
According to reliable sources, some hard core anti socials in Ganjam district have reportedly formed gangs to manipulate tendering process by fixing tenders in which genuine contractors are reportedly being threatened not to participate in the tendering process, and in case a genuine agency succeeds in getting the tender, he is being intimidated to sublet the work to the third party as per the choice and will of the gangsters, sources said.
This is happening in the tenders of most of the Works Department in Ganjam district like, PWD, RD, and Irrigation. According to an observer, the police and concerned departments are hand in glove with the gangsters which frighten genuine contractors.
By such dirty method, gangsters get a boost, while the general public suffers a lot due to poor quality of work being executed. The district administration and the police reportedly remain as mute spectator to this.
For instance, about a couple of months back, a contractor who was executing a 6 km long saline embankment work in Palur Canal was reportedly assaulted and threatened of dire consequences in Pottagada near Rushikullya mouth and was forced to pay extortion sum of Rs3,000 for not sub-letting the work.
In another project work pertaining to minor irrigation, the contractor with backing of goons who got tender for a minor irrigation project by fixing forced a Junior Engineer of the Works Department to pass the bills before completion of the work.
According to information available, though the JE was initially reluctant to pass the bills, but subsequently conceded to their demand when he was forcibly taken to a nearby water pond and was threatened to be dumped there.
In view of massive tender fixing, spurt in crime and sub-standard construction and corruption, the locals here have demanded Crime Branch inquiry into all irregularities and transparent execution of tender process. There is also a demand for installation of sufficient number of CCTVs in all Engineering/Works Departments and project sites.
Mere e-tender cannot check the menace. Hence, the Government should take appropriate measures to stop forceful subletting of the works, said a former engineer who did not wish to be identified.