TVCC probing irregularities in garbage contract

The Technical Vigilance Cell under Commissioner (TVCC) of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike is probing the irregularities in the garbage contract following Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s directions.

The chief minister’s direction came after Transport and District In Charge Minister Ramalinga Reddy wrote a letter to him in June pointing out 11 major irregularities in the garbage contract.

The probe has begun and the TVCC has asked the zonal level officers to provide files pertaining to the receipt, payment and the expenditure shown by the contractors. However, it is learnt that the probing agency was not getting proper response from the officials. It is expected that by the end of December this year, the TVCC may submit its report.

In the letter to the chief minister, Reddy had stated that in 2012, tenders were called for garbage disposal in all the198 wards of eight zones of the BBMP. Among the 198 wards, contracts have been awarded for 100 wards while in the remaining 98 wards, the BBMP itself is taking care of garbage disposal since October 1, 2013.

However, it came to light that most of the contractors are not bringing the requisite number of vehicles in use, which is against the tender conditions, Reddy pointed out. He added that the contractors were not employing requisite number of sanitation workers (Pourakarmikas) and vehicles, as agreed by the contractors. Further Reddy stated that there was absence of uniformity of Pourakarmikas in the wards.

“In some wards more vehicles and Pourakarmikas have been employed than the requisite number while in some other places their number is dismal. The contractors are also flouting the labour laws by not giving them the facility of provident fund and insurance,” Reddy stated in his letter.

Reddy also highlighted that the contractors were claiming full bill payment for 50 km travel although they travel much less, which is leading to a huge loss to the Palike exchequer. He stated that there is no records to show what kind of work has been entrusted to the Pourakarmikas.

Reddy said, “Even after spending Rs 521 crore on garbage disposal, the job is not satisfactory, which raises doubts.”