BJP alleges scam in purchase of pulses under PDS

Tribune News Service

Shimla, July 1

The state BJP today alleged a major scam in the purchase of pulses under the Public Distribution System (PDS) and accused the state public sector undertaking Food and Civil Supplies Corporation of purchasing three pulses at much higher rates as compared to the market rates to benefit a particular firm.

“The government provides three pulses at subsidised rates under the PDS but the state Food and Supply Corporation invited tenders for nine pulses. However, the minister selected three pulses without setting any parameters,” said Randhir Sharma, general secretary, state BJP. As per the tender notice, the required quantity of pulses has been placed between 3,500-4,000 metric tonnes (MT).

He said quotations were invited on April 16, 2015, for nine pulses, but the tender was cancelled as one of the firms could not complete the formalities. However, it was cancelled again as the same firm did not quote the least price. Finally, the tender was opened on June 4 in which the tender of the said firm was accepted for two pulses. This was the reason that the pulses were not available in June, he alleged.

Giving details of the order, he said pulses, including Dal Chana, Kabuli Chana and Kali Masoor would be purchased at Rs 69.93, Rs 66.96 and Rs 93.01 per kg, respectively, while Rajma which costs Rs 72-75 per kg was not being purchased by the government.

Interestingly, another firm which did not participate in the tender floated by Food and Supplies Corporation is supplying Dal Chana at Rs 56.16 per kg to the State Welfare department and despite the said firm apprising the Chief Secretary and the Chief Minister that they are willing to supply Dal Chana at Rs 59.16 per kg (Rs 3 extra for packaging) which is still Rs 10 less per kg less than the rate at which the corporation was purchasing Dal Chana, the corporation awarded the tender to the firm in question, Sharma said.

A number of questions have arisen from the decision of the government and it owes the responsibility to explain why Rajma which cost less is not being procured and also clarify that why the tenders which were earlier given for one month were extended to 3-6 months, especially when the Union Government had decided to import pulses and when another firm was willing to give pulses at lower rates, Randhir quizzed.

Demanding cancellation and re-tendering of tenders in the interest of the people of the state, he said the facts collected regarding the alleged irregularities in the purchase of pulses would incorporated in the second instalment of the charge sheet.

Sharma also demanded roll back in hike in VAT on diesel and status report of the power projects being sold by JP to Jindal steel be made public, especially the status of LADA money and other liabilities of the company.