The Newz Radar
CHAMBA: In a startling development, Chamba Municipal Council president Neelam Nayyar has levelled serious allegations against the civic body’s Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) regarding procurement practices. The accusations were levelled during a press conference held by Nayyar, who alleged purported attempts to circumvent tender regulations and procure substandard materials at inflated prices.
Nayyar highlighted instances where the SDO allegedly attempted to bypass established procurement protocols by initiating purchases worth lakhs of rupees through quotation processes rather than following the mandated online tendering procedures. The purchases in question were purportedly related to development projects sanctioned by the Municipal Council.
One of the contentious issues raised by Nayyar pertained to the procurement of paver material where the SDO allegedly sought to amend tender conditions without consultation with the Municipal Council Chairman or the governing body. Upon discovery of this irregularity, Nayyar intervened and demanded the cancellation of the procurement process, asserting the importance of adherence to government-mandated rules and transparency in procurement.
Furthermore, Nayyar accused the SDO of attempting to procure electric poles and iron benches through quotation-based processes, collectively amounting to approximately Rs 28 lakh. According to government regulations, projects exceeding Rs 5 lakh in value are required to undergo an online tendering process to ensure fairness and transparency.
Nayyar emphasised that the Municipal Council sought to uphold quality standards by stipulating the use of ISI-marked materials for public infrastructure projects. However, the alleged actions of the SDO, including attempts to alter tender conditions unilaterally, had raised serious concerns about the officer’s intentions and adherence to established protocols, alleged Nayyar.
