BMC to overhaul its tender system

In the backdrop of various scams that have unfolded recently, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to completely overhaul its tendering system of civic works. To ensure there are no malpractices, new guidelines will be prepared to improve the bidding process of all departments, said civic officials.

The BMC’s image has been dented by scams such as desilting, road repair, solid waste management, among others, with allegations that a nexus of contractors, politicians and civic officials have been looting the public money. It has also been alleged that tender conditions are being drafted in a manner to favour certain coterie of contractors, thus denying opportunity to other deserving parties.

“The basic aim of overhaul of the tendering system is to prevent favouritism and ensure transparency,” said a senior civic official. “The new guidelines will be framed to allow more bidders to participate in the tender process. Conditions that prove favourable to only selected contractors will be weeded out. The standard guidelines of Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) will also be included in the system. In addition to this, a grievance redressal system will be set up for contractors so that their complaints are taken care of,” he explained.

One of the key objectives of the new system would be to develop alternative strength of contractors, said civic officials. “Owing to lack of expertise, we have to allot civic works contracts at times to particular contractors, even if they are found to be involved in malpractices. The monopoly factor also makes them commit irregularities. If we have more contractors at our disposal, the competition would be fair and tough,” said the official.

Te BMC has already issued new tender guidelines by directing to hold the entire tender process online only. Also, civic chief Ajoy Mehta has made it mandatory for every contractor to appoint quality control engineers in the implementation of project works. The purpose behind these directives is to ensure participation by maximum contractors in the tender process for road constructions and also to maintain their confidentiality, said civic officials. Also, the quality control engineer of road works will be required to have a BE (civil) degree and experience of minimum 10 years in roadworks.