BBMP closes Rs 50 lakh tender in just three days

In clear violation of the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (KTPP) rules, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike gave just three days for bidders to take part in a tender to print ID cards for street vendors.

Tenders for Rs 50 lakh worth work was called on February 14, asking the interested bidders to submit samples the following day. And, on the third day, the process was closed.

What the rule says  

Rule 17 of KTPP stipulates a minimum time between the date of publication of the notice inviting tenders (NIT) and the last date of submission of the notice.

The rule states that there should be a minimum of 30 days for tenders up to Rs 2 crore. The rule has an exception though. The reduction in the time stipulated has to be specifically authorised by an authority superior to the tender-inviting authority, and the reasons have to be recorded in writing.

However, in the said notice inviting tenders, there is no mention of the reasons for the reduction in the timing.

Interestingly, though the civic agency has shown undue urgency in opening and closing of the tender, it has generously granted 30 days for the successful tenderer to supply 33,000 cards.

"Delivery of 33,000 ID cards does not require 30 days. Strangely, the authority has published the NIT at 6.30 pm on February 14 and asked interested tenderers to submit the sample the next day. It states the last date to submit the tender is February 17. The agency is learnt to have opened technical bids on Monday (February 19)," a businessman,   who could not participate in the tender due to the nearly impossible time limit fixed, told DH.

The High Court of Karnataka had directed the BBMP to distribute ID cards to street vendors before February 21. The court had said that if the BBMP fails to do so before February 21, the officer in charge will have to pay Rs 1,000 for each day of delay.