Gujarat HC seeks explanation over electricity poll tenders

Gujarat High Court today sought explanation from the state's Energy and Petrochemicals department and five state-run electricity companies regarding the alleged irregularities in the purchase of PSC electricity polls.
The division bench of Chief Justice Bhaskar Bhattacharya and Justice J B Paridiwala was hearing a public interest litigation alleging that contracts are awarded without proper tender process which has caused a loss of crores of rupees.
NGO 'Jagega Gujarat', the petitioner, contends that contract for Pre Stressed Concrete (PSC) poles is given without inviting tenders by the state-run electricity companies.
Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited, Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited, Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company Limited, Madhya Gujarat Vij Company Limited and Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Limited are named in the petition.

"Two Tapi-based PSC poles producers have been continuously given contracts for two years," the PIL alleges.
"In the last two years, 2.61 lakh PSC poles have been purchased from the two producers for Rs 2.44 crore. If those blue-eyed contractors could not quote competitive rates, the tenders were declared closed.

"There are instances where even after the tenders were declared closed, the electricity companies obliged the two contractors by giving them contracts," it alleged.
It also alleges that electricity companies do not follow the tender norms fixed by the Gujarat Electricity Board.
The High Court issued a show-cause notice to all the respondents and kept the further hearing on March 14.