EESL rejects charges of irregularities in procuring LED bulbs

A day after the Congress party alleged irregularities in procurement of 'Ujala' LED bulbs, the Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) on Monday trashed the charges, saying they were "false, misleading and devoid of any facts".

"LED bulb e-procurement was conducted in most transparent manner, adhering to prescribed guidelines.

"Annual electricity bills of consumers reduced by over Rs 11,500 crore through distribution of 22 crore LED bulbs and 200 urban local bodies (ULBs) benefited from 19 lakh street lights replaced across the country," the government-run EESL said in a statement.

"To date, over 22 crore LED bulbs have been sold under the 'Unnat Jeevan by Affordable LEDs for All (Ujala)' scheme, leading to savings in consumer electricity bills by Rs 11,500 crore," it stated.

Pointing a finger at the National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre, the Congress party had on Monday alleged that the flawed process of procurement and distribution of Ujala LED bulbs has led to a Rs 20,000-crore scam. The EESL is involved in the procurement process of the bulbs.

A press statement from the party alleged irregularities in the tendering process of LED items, making mockery of the Make in India policy due to the import of Chinese LED bulbs and throwing all vigilance norms to the winds

"The procurement by EESL is through e-tendering and the request for proposal is not only announced in leading national newspapers but also uploaded on its website as per the norms prescribed," the company said.

Noting that the national LED drive had helped all stakeholders, the company said the programme "is keeping the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and transparency".

It also stated that the procurement policy, approved by the Board, was consistent with the procurement norms of the government and CPSUs, and in conformity with the guidelines of the Central Vigilance Commission and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

The procurement norms for the LED programmes allows only those bidders who have manufacturing facilities in India.

According to the statement, no Chinese or any other manufacturer, who is yet to set up manufacturing facilities in India, had participated in the tendering process.

"The prices of LED bulbs have reduced by 88 per cent while the quality has improved," it asserted.

--IANS

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