Blacklisted get away by registering with state units

In Quthbullapur 15B circle, an executive engineer booked cases against 11 contractors of whom six were blacklisted and five escaped, stating they are not registered with the GHMC but with different state agencies.

Criminal cases were booked only when the engineer’s job was at stake. The engineers and contractors have a giveand-take relationship: The contractors get the projects and the engineers their kickbacks, it is alleged.

A zonal officer, (who did not want to be named) said, “Certain contractors have companies registered in the names, of their spouses or close relatives. If one company is barred, they participate in the tender process under another name. Secondly, certain contractors are registered with other parent agencies like the TS irrigation department and roads and buildings. If the contractor is blacklisted, the GHMC has to inform the parent department the contractor is registered with, as well as the principal secretary – MA&UD, which is a long process. Also, if a contractor is booked and barred for one or two years, a recommendation from ministers or other senior officials in the government can revoke the punishment. This allows them to take part in the tendering system again.”

Of course, contractors cannot get away with such delinquency unless officials of the municipal corporation help them. In April this year, 18 contractors who allegedly fleeced the GHMC by submitting fake bills were arrested by the CCS police. In the same scam, worth `1.8 crore, the police arrested 12 GHMC assistant engineers, who were also involved. In an official statement to the police, the arrested contractors revealed how civic officials guided them to manipulate bills and what kind of documents to submit during the financial month (March) to avoid an audit, and various other means to cheat the corporation.

The contractor has to complete works within the period mentioned in the agreement, notices will be issued to contractors who cause delay in execution of works. Even after issuing of notices, if the contractors further delay, action will be initiated as per Clause No. 60 of the APDSS. Even after imposing a penalty, if the contractor delays further, he/she will be barred in participating for a period of 1 or 2 years. — DR. B. JANARDHAN REDDY, GHMC COMMISSIONER