FCI detects Rs 20 cr scam, suspends general manager

Bharat Khanna

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Tribune News Service

Bathinda, September 27

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has suspended an Area General Manager (AGM), Punjab, following the detection of a Rs 20 crore scam in Bathinda zone. However, the FCI claims of not having incurred any losses as the scam was detected early. No case has been registered against the erring official yet.

The AGM, Nitin Kumar Garg, reportedly allotted tenders for handling and transport illegally to near and dear ones. In Malout division of Muktsar district, four companies had bid online for the tenders to transport wheat and rice from FCI godowns to railway stations with Vikas Goyal Transport at 48 per cent of above of scheduled rate (AOSR), Vijay Kumar Transport 46 per cent of AOSR, Jai Amba Transport 32 per cent of AOSR and Gopi Chand Transport 28.65 per cent of AOSR. However, the online bidding was overlooked and the tenders allotted to Vikas Goyal at 28 per cent of AOSR on July 14.

In Rampura division of Bathinda district, Gangsar Transport Company (GTC), bid online at the lowest rate of 114 per cent of AOSR for the transport and handling tender. But the company was allotted the contract at a rate higher than it had bid online. Kumar allegedly allotted the contract at 128 percent of AOSR on June 4. The GTC was supposed to transport around 250 rakes annually from the FCI godowns to railway stations.

The matter came to light after rival bidders complained to FCI General Manager. Kumar Rahul, FCI General Manager, said, “We have taken departmental action against the erring official AGM Nitin Garg. He has been suspended and further action will be taken in accordance with the law. The FCI didn’t incur any loss as the scam was detected early.”