The Vigilance Bureau (VB) has began an analysis in to the “irregularities” in purchasing furniture by Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical College (MRSPTU), Bathinda.
Dayama Harish Kumar Omprakash, VB SSP, Bathinda Range, stated: “Last week, the VB had received a complaint regarding purchasing furniture in the MRSPTU. A probe continues to be marked towards the VB DSP.”
The Tribune had, on September 2, 2020, uncovered the irregularities inside a news report “Bathinda varsity clears Rs 2.50 cr tender sans approval”. It had been highlighted the MRSPTU had purchased furniture with no approval of Finance and Technical Education Departments which had shortlisted two private companies who filed the tender offline following the last date had passed. Later, among the firms – 21st Century Techno Product Private Limited – was allotted the tender.
The Finance Department had allotted Rs 25 crore towards the MRSPTU for 2019-20. On April 11, 2019, the department had issued instructions, proclaiming that money allotted within the capital budget could simply be spent when the Finance Department gave its approval. Neither the Finance Department nor the Technical Education Department had given approval towards the college.
It’s also learnt that the online tender firm – Wipro Enterprises Pvt Limited, Chandigarh – had offered a 39 percent discount, when the order could be above Rs 1 crore. However, 21st Century Techno Products Pvt Limited was handed orders close to Rs 2.50 crore.
MRSPTU Vice Chancellor Dr Buta Singh Sidhu stated: “An inquiry committee was constituted to consider the irregularities. Its report was delivered to the condition government. According to its findings, a VB inquiry continues to be marked.” He stated the chair from the probe committee along with other people were known as towards the VB’s office in Bathinda today as vigilance officials wanted some good info relating to purchasing furniture.