Haryana CM Khattar orders probe into ‘Rs 50-cr scam’ in HAREDA

A solar systems company has been accused of supplying inferior quality material to Haryana Renewable Energy Development Agency in collusion with some officials

Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar has ordered a probe by the vigilance department into an alleged scam worth over Rs 50 crore in the Haryana Renewable Energy Development Agency (HAREDA) involving a Panchkula-based private solar systems company and some officials of the agency.

Khattar has also ordered blacklisting of the accused company in order to debar it from bidding in any tenders in future. (HT File)

Khattar has also ordered blacklisting of the accused company in order to debar it from bidding in any tenders in the state, senior officials told HT, on the condition of anonymity. They said action is likely to be taken against some project officers of HAREDA for their alleged collusion with the company.

The case came to light when a Karnal-based advocate complained on the CM Window about a year ago, accusing the company of supplying inferior quality solar systems material but getting 100% payment on the basis of fake joint commissioning reports.

There are allegations that the company was never eligible to bid in the tenders of HAREDA, but the facts pertaining to the technical eligibility of the company were twisted by some HAREDA officials to benefit it.

The director, new and renewable energy (NRE) department, also ordered field visits of the works when it was found that the works were never completed and 100% payments were released on the basis of fake joint commissioning reports.

The senior officials said that it has been found that solar systems of more than Rs 30 crore supplied and installed by the accused company are not working even when these are in warranty period. The department has charge-sheeted two project officers in this connection. Stating that the HAREDA director had ordered the company to replace all the inferior solar home lighting systems installed since more than a year ago, but the company has not done anything in this direction till date.

“…The matter has already been delayed much and hence there is possibility that the complainant may consider legal alternatives. It will be against the state government and will damage the image of department and government as well. The competent authority should exercise its discretion and take disciplinary action against the concerned officers and the unit in the subject without delay. After this action, we should handover the case for investigation to appropriate authority,” he wrote in his letter to the minister.

Minister Banwari Lal later sent a proposal to Khattar, recommending a probeinto the matter by the vigilance department. Khattar approved the proposal on September 26, 2017, the officials said.