Scam in SSA: Purchases in violation of norms

ASEM MOHIUDDIN. Dated: 8/13/2012 12:43:25 AM

SRINAGAR Aug 12: Jammu and Kashmir unit of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) allegedly purchased computers and a generator on the last day of previous fiscal year worth crores without following the codal formalities.
The documents available with Kashmir Times reveal that the authorities have not advertised the requirement of equipments in any newspaper, and have approached the selective distributors for its purchasing.
The documents reveal that SSA authorities purchased 1100 computer systems worth Rs 37,25,9133 crores and generators against Rs 26,82,884 crores. For both the purchasing, the norms have been flouted while no tendering took place.
The letter number EDU/SPD/SSA/6522/12 dated 31 March 2012 reads that state project officer have enclosed the Bank Draft number 802719 of Rs 37,25,9133 in favor Director General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D) for the six firms for the procurement of computer systems. However, there is no proof on what grounds the firms have been selected for the procurement.
On similar grounds under letter no. EDU/SPD/SSA/6523/12, the officer has enclosed the another Bank Daft number 802718 dated 31, March of Rs 26,82,8841 to DGS&D in favor of Honda Siel Power Products Limited Plot number 5 Sector-41 (Kasna), Greater Noida Indll. Development Area, Gautum Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh.
But the authorities again failed to explain the criteria on which company has been selected for the procurement of generators as no tendering has taken place.
For the purchasing of equipments under SSA, the GoI has set up the conditions that all the procurements of services or materials which are highly technical and above Rs 50 Lakhs, shall be purchased under National Competitive Bidding (NCB) of IDA procurement guidelines.
Under the guidelines, the authorities need to advertise the requirements in national newspapers and than accept the lowest bidder. However, the authorities are authorised to choose the best brands but cannot select the firm or agency for procurement.
Terming it a scam of crores of rupees, sources told Kashmir Times that the deal was set by officials with “selective agencies and firms” for their personal interests.
“The government shall probe into this multi crore scam as the deal was set to receive the commission from the selective firms. The purchases were made on higher rates. They shall also investigate as to why the purchase was made on the last day of financial year,” sources demanded.
They said under the rules of SSA no purchasing is allowed during the month of March.
Pertinently, the state government receives hundreds of crores from Government of India under this centrally sponsored flagship programme aiming to benefit the poor and needy children.
Under the programme, government receives funds for the construction of schools and provides free education to all the children, particularly children from down trodden section of society.
Interestingly, for purchasing equipments worth crores, the only thing authorities have done was to convene a state level meeting on 28th March 2012 under the chairpersonship of Director SSA to discuss the purchasing of equipments.
The Commissioner Secretary Education, Farooq Ahmad Faktoo told Kashmir Times that state director have likely followed the codal formalities and made purchases under DGS&D.
“What I have been informed that purchases have been made under DGS&D rules and I presume that state project director must have followed the rules and codal formalities,” he said.

 

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