CHENNAI: The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) on Friday suspended an executive engineer in the Perungudi zone following allegations of irregularities in floating limited tenders for heavy machinery rentals. The action came after anti-corruption civic group Arappor Iyakkam raised concerns over the tendering process and alleged lack of transparency.
The Perungudi zone floated six limited tenders on May 12 for hiring six dozers for work at the Perungudi dumpyard at a cost of Rs 48.33 lakh each, and another six tenders for renting six excavators costing Rs 49.56 lakh each. All the machines were to be hired on a rental basis for 105 days. Arappor Iyakkam questioned the urgency of the tenders, pointing out bidders were given only a one-day window to apply.
Speaking to TNIE, M Radhakrishnan from Arappor Iyakkam said the rental costs quoted were higher than the actual market price of the machinery and said the repeated use of limited tenders raises doubts over possible pre-fixed contracts.
While GCC officials confirmed the EE’s suspension, they did not disclose the exact reasons. Officials also confirmed the suspension of a park overseer for allegedly collecting money at a park.