Tenders issued for completed work in Tamil Nadu, says NGO; Vijay team clarifies

The government confirmed a procedural flaw and stated no work order was issued, leading to the suspension of the concerned engineer.

A Chennai-based NGO Arappor Iyakkam alleged on Tuesday that two beautification works worth ₹45 lakh by Tambaram Corporation were completed and inaugurated before tenders were floated for bidding process.

Workers give finishing touches to a huge mural made on the facade of the Tambaram railway station, to create awareness and promote Covid-19 coronavirus vaccination in Chennai on July 4, 2021. (Photo by Arun SANKAR / AFP) (AFP)

The NGO alleged the tenders were published on August 6 but the works were inaugurated on July 29. Responding to the findings, the state government said administrative sanction was obtained on July 14 after placing a proposal before the council to execute two city beautification works under the Tambaram Corporation limit either through general funds or CSR.

On July 23, the Corporation Commissioner granted permission to issue tender notices. On July 24, a private firm offered to execute the works. The governement said a procedural flaw was identified wherein tender notice was issued later on August 6. No work order was issued and no costs incurred. Concerned zonal assistant executive engineer was suspended.