Tightening the screws on new vehicle procurement procedure against the old unused vehicles, the Delhi Government has issued new guidelines according to which the respective departments cannot buy new vehicles without providing details and disposing off the condemned vehicles. The move is being seen as an attempt to minimise the monetary loss due to theft of various parts of such vehicles, which lie in the basement of Players Building. There are 250 to 300 condemned vehicles in all 127 departments of Delhi Government.
It is noted that a similar circular was issued two years back by the Finance Department but none of the departments provided details of the condemned vehicles despite repeated reminders. Strangely, the departments were not interested in disposing off these vehicles. Few years ago, a security audit of Players Building has suggested removal of all the condemned vehicles from the parking lots.
The circular which was issued by the Finance Department states, “That a large number of Government vehicles declared condemned or fit for condemnation lie outside or inside the office premises without any attention for long period. This not only results in further damage but also theft of various parts of such vehicles there causing loss of monetary value. The matter has been examined in the context of proposals for purchases of new vehicles against condemned vehicles being received in the Finance Department”.
The Finance Department also pointed out that while submitting the proposals for the purchase of new vehicles, the administrative department generally does not furnish complete facts with respect to the condemned vehicles against which proposals for purchase of new vehicles are being submitted.
The guidelines stressed that in order to enable FD to examine the proposal for purchase of new vehicle against condemned vehicles; the departments should complete details of the unused vehicle.“Total number of vehicles, year of purchase and distance covered (in kms) as prescribed under Staff Car Rules shall be included in the proposal submitted to FD for purchase of new vehicle.
That vehicle has been condemned after a certificate has been obtained from one of the following authorities. An electrical and mechanical workshop of the National Airports Authority, or the Workshop of a State Transport Corporation, at locations where the above two are not available, Transport Workshops under the Central or State Government departments, states the circular.
The circular furthers states that “condemnation of vehicles has been carried out strictly in compliance of norms as laid down under Staff Car Rules and Delegation of Financial Power Rules. Administrative department has carried out auction of the condemned vehicles as per the procedure prescribed under General Finance Rules.”
Proceeds on account of auction have been deposited in the respective designated account and a mention of amount thus, received and details of depositing the same viz., challan no., date and bank branch etc is to be specifically included in the proposal submitted for purchase of new vehicle. In view the economy instructions proposals for purchase of new vehicles may be submitted only in case purchase of vehicle is absolutely essential.