“To benefit blue eyed candidates, probably close to the authorities, they have included some unnecessary clauses in terms and conditions of the tender”
K Koushal
Causing aspersions on the accountability and transparency in online bidding system, Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department Srinagar has floated ‘arbitrary’ tenders allegedly to benefit close ones.
According to one of the candidates, who happens to be a bidder, Health and Medical Education Department Government Medical College, Srinagar has notified a tender Notice No: 67 of 2021, wherein the concerned authorities have deliberately incorporated some ‘unnecessary and irrelevant’ clauses.
“To benefit blue eyed candidates, probably close to the authorities, they have included some unnecessary clauses in terms and conditions of the tender,” said a bidder, wishing anonymity.
He said that the major problem comes with the very first clause of the terms and conditions, wherein a valid registration certificate with the Tourism Department is required.
“I do not understand what is the relationship between the tourism department and the canteen,” said a bidder, adding this is a cent percent attempt of ‘accommodating’ their close ones.
Bidder maintained that making registration with a specific institution or organisation a necessary requirement makes it evident that concerned authorities at H&ME Department are hell bent to keep the meritorious bidders out of the game.
“This tender notice is for running of hospital dietary facility for in patients at all associated hospitals of Government Medical College Srinagar, which certainly does not require certification from any specific department,” asserted bidder, adding that valid certificate from D&FCO for FSSAI was enough to suffice the need of running dietary facility.
He said, even an experience certificate for such an assignment with the Government / Semi Government Department was enough to take up the tender.
“This is surely an attempt to keep the bidders out of the race, because not many people are registered with the Tourism Department, which is never although needed,” bidder said and added that incorporating such clauses in tender notice is a clear cut violation of transparent tendering process.
Talking to The Typewriter Principal Government Medical College Srinagar Samiya Rashid said that she has no idea about the matter and the Chief Accounts Officer shall be the right person to contact.
When contacted Chief Accounts Officer (CAO) of the Medical College, Dr Sabreena said that since she is on leave she cannot provide the latest update on the matter.
“I am on leave, so I do not know much about the latest status on the matter,” said CAO, adding that however, if there is any grievance related to any clause of the tender, the aggrieved person can submit a representation with the office the Principal, who happens to be convener of the committee.
She said that if the concerned committee is convinced with the representation, the particular clause can be amended.
