Dimapur, November 1: Accusing the Director of Food and Civil Supplies of flouting rules in Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) for transport of Public Distribution System (PDS) under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), Against Corruption And Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) reminded the former to immediately cancel the tender and make necessary changes as demanded earlier, failing which it warned that the Director, who is NIT calling authority, will be fully held responsible in the event of any eventuality.
ACAUT has accused the Director of going a step ahead by bending rules to protect those cronies and syndicates thereby creating history in tendering process by adding a clause under terms and condition which was neither listed in the tender document nor in the NIT.
It said the clause signed by Director was made known to the participants inside the tender opening hall. It quoted the clause which reads, “After opening of tender, no complain shall be entertained.” ACAUT has termed the clause as an attempt to make his manipulation foolproof. It reminded the Director that participants have every right for disapproval and lodge a complaint and even go to court for redressal when manipulation, favoritism and anomaly are detected.
ACAUT also questioned the Tender committee how some firms with same truck registration and numbers were made to qualify technically for multiple districts when the tender guidelines clearly says that, “A tendered should have a minimum of ten (10) numbers of trucks attached for carrying food grains.” ACAUT wondered if contractors with 10-15 trucks will be able to carry all the food grains to multiple districts.
ACAUT Nagaland further demanded that the contract work should be split into separate 75 blocks rather than 11 districts so that many educated unemployed youth can gainfully engage themselves as self-employment rather than few powerful individuals.
Making it believe that the Director has personal interest for above mentioned reasons, ACAUT reminded the former to immediately cancel the tender and issue the same after making necessary changes.
