The Hindu : Copier purchase row takes new turn

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Dec 23, 2002

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala

Copier purchase row takes new turn

By C. Gouridasan Nair

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM Dec. 22. The controversy over the 1997-98 Government proposal to go in for bulk purchase of photocopiers for panchayats has taken a new turn with the Kerala High Court staying the Government Order of November 29, 2002, which, in effect, overturns the earlier proposal and allows individual purchase of photocopiers by each panchayat.

The Government has decided to give up the bulk purchase proposal after pursuing it vigorously for the last few years and even identifying potential suppliers through an elaborate process. Although the November 29 Government Order is silent about the earlier proposal for bulk purchase of photocopiers, the Government's motives have been questioned in the writ petition now before the High Court. The Court has issued notice to the Government and posted the case for hearing on January 15.

The reason why the Government has chosen not to pursue the proposal for bulk purchase of photocopiers is a mystery mainly because the original idea was that such bulk purchase would result in economies beneficial to the panchayats. As instructed by the Deputy Director of Panchayats on June 2, 1998, 702 panchayats had remitted Rs. 1 lakh each with the Director of Panchayats for purchase of photocopying machines. The Directorate of Panchayats then requested the Local Administration Department to float tenders for purchase of photocopiers. The latter did so and received 10 bids.

A panel comprising senior officials and experts was constituted to examine the technical and financial aspects of the bids. The panel found the lowest quotation to be for supply of photocopiers at Rs. 61.700 a piece with one-year warranty and two years' maintenance contract. There was the usual bickering among bidders, but the Government decision was to effect the purchases in 2000-01. However, the actual purchase did not take place that year or in 2001-02. The Government has apparently merged the Rs. 1 lakh that each panchayat had remitted with the Director of Panchayats with the Plan funds of the panchayats concerned.

Mr. S. Manu Lal of Kochi has moved the High Court against the November 29 order alleging that it has been issued to suit the interests of bidders who lost out in the selection process. It is also his contention that if allowed to be carried out, the order would result in additional expenditure of at least Rs. 5 crores as, when bought individually, each photocopier would cost much more than would be the case if bought in bulk.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States

Stories in this Section

VAT losses: 'Centre will compensate States'

Police keep Kolencherry church closed

Only 4 p.c. of ADB loan for poverty alleviation: study

Move to sell water of two rivers criticised

Watchman killed in explosion at estate

Knanaya ecclesiastic hierarchy soft-pedals laity demand

Copier purchase row takes new turn

Quantum jump in police communication