R. Ashok seeks probe into alleged irregularities in waste management tenders

Leader of the Opposition in the State Legislative Assembly R. Ashok on Saturday (October 24) alleged irregularities in tenders floated for waste management and transfer stations by the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). He accused the government of favouring an ineligible company and demanded a high-level probe into the matter.

Addressing a press conference, Mr. Ashok said that one of the ₹133-crore tenders floated by the GBA had been awarded to a private company despite the firm failing to meet the eligibility criteria. He also alleged that the tender was awarded to the company at the behest of a Minister.

According to Mr. Ashok, the company had a turnover of ₹3.34 crore in 2023-24, against the stipulated minimum annual turnover of ₹10 crore. He also said that the letter of acceptance (LoA) was given to the company despite warnings from the Finance Department.

In Packages 2 and 5, deposits of ₹6.79 crore and ₹5.99 crore, respectively, had been waived, he said. He also claimed that a total of ₹12.99 crore in additional security deposits had not been collected from the company.

Mr. Ashok questioned why the negotiations had not been held with other eligible bidders to bring down the tender rates. He also alleged that tenders for 21 waste transfer station packages were floated without identifying land for the facilities.

Mr. Ashok demanded an investigation into the matter by the Lokayukta or a high-level agency. He said he would write to the Chief Minister demanding cancellation of the tender. Mr. Ashok also criticised the increase in waste collection charges for bulk generators.