SURAJ NANDREKAR
PANAJI: In the first part of Govind Kala(kar), Goemkarponn has exposed how the Kala Academy work to the tune of Rs 49.57 cr was awarded on the nomination or rather willingness shown by the contractor.
In the second story of this series, Goemkarponn shows how the high and mighty abuse the power to get their works done using the loopholes in the law.
Here is a story of how this government believes MARPI (a Konkani word for one who hits you or a drunkard) and MRP are one and the same.
So here we go, we have told you that the work of the whopping Rs 49.57 cr including taxes) has been awarded to M/s Techton Buildcon Pvt Ltd, a mighty builder from Mumbai.
But, now investigations have revealed that the M/s Techton Buildcon Pvt Ltd was also the consultant for the same project. After finding the defects in the historic structure, M/s Techton Buildcon is also got the contract for the execution of work. Shocking no?
Mr Vikrant Bagwe uses his clout in the BJP at the Centre and Maharashtra to get all the consultancy works in Goa.
Not just Kala Academy, Bagwe has used his clout to get the consultancy work of Goa Bhavan in Mumbai.
Shockingly, even the repair and renovation work of Goa Bhavan is given to Bagwe’s M/s Techton Buildcon Pvt Ltd. The cost of Goa Bhavan has crossed several times its estimates. So the corruption does not end just here at Kala Academy.
Moreover, Bagwe is also the consultant to find the faults and stability for the age-old Junta House building in the city. And we won’t be surprised if we find that the work of repairs is handed over to him again.
He knows how to manage the politicians, officials in PWD and the government.
Engineers in the PWD have slammed this precedent, which they call is dangerous.
“The consultant work is the only consultancy, find faults and suggest repairs and also may be helpful in estimates and suggest names of contractors who can carry out works. But here, the consultant has nominated himself for the job. Isn’t this shocking?” an engineer speaking on condition of anonymity said.
He added, “since teh consultant is the contractor, he would have manipulated teh estimates as per his own whims and fancies”.
Estimate without any particulars:
It is apparent that the Public works Department has drawn up an estimate for the controversial renovation works to be undertaken concerning the Kala Academy, Panaji, without any description of the particulars or bifurcation of the particulars. The same is bereft of any details of the items to be used, the quality of things to use, or even the quantity nos. of the said items.
It is rather shocking that the works to be undertaken are mentioned in brief under vague heads such as “Electrical Works”, Acoustic Works”, “Structural Repairs”, etc., for a total sum of Rs. 49 Crores. Such vague estimates drawn up are unknown to any work order or contract in the ordinary course of business, especially regarding state exchequer.
The finances in the public coffers are being given out without following due process of law and without any considerations as to what works the said amounts are being disbursed.
The estimate is highly exorbitant:
The estimate drawn with taxes amounts to approx. 44 crores. That amount includes maintenance charges for five years at 7.5%, which amounts to Rs. 2.7 crores. Furthermore, it is even more surprising that on the total amount of Rs. 44 crores, a 3% contingencies fee added of 1.3 corers which are entirely unknown to any work order or tender. Such 3% fees are levied without any reason or application of mind, and such a percentage cannot be arrived at before even beginning the work. It clearly appears that this is nothing but a mode of extortion of funds from the public exchequer by absurdly leaving charges without cause or diligence.
Cabinet Meeting was a farce:
The meeting appears to be a farce as the issue at hand was not on the agenda of the meeting as was simply tabled during the meeting and approved without even recording the name of discussing the credentials of the contractor as though it is only this one contractor in the entire country who can undertake this herculean work order. Such procedures for allotment of public works with public money is entirely unknown to law.
The State Authorities have played a complete fraud on the public by extorting the public exchequer for their own personal gains following such arbitrary processes for the allotment of high stakes works. There is no urgency to this renovation project, and neither does it stem from the notings that there is any urgency to avoid the tender process and give it based on nomination. It is a well-orchestrated scheme of yet another corrupt act by those in power, and clearly, well in abuse of their power.
SUSPICIOUS RENOVATION….
But, now investigations have revealed that the M/s Techton Buildcon Pvt Ltd was also the consultant for the same project. After finding the defects in the historic structure, M/s Techton Buildcon is also got the contract for the execution of work. Shocking no?
Mr Vikrant Bagwe uses his clout in the BJP at the Centre and Maharashtra to get all the consultancy works in Goa.
Not just Kala Academy, Bagwe has used his clout to get the consultancy work of Goa Bhavan in Mumbai.
Shockingly, even the repair and renovation work of Goa Bhavan is given to Bagwe’s M/s Techton Buildcon Pvt Ltd. The cost of Goa Bhavan has crossed several times its estimates. So the corruption does not end just here at Kala Academy.