IMPHAL, January 23: The Kuki Students Organisation has resolved to forbid any contractor bidding 5 percent below the government fixed rate for works under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna in the hill areas, according to the general secretary of the student body Seiboi Haokip.
Speaking to the IFP over the phone, Seiboi said the student body has decided to take up the step in order to maintain quality in the works undertaken under Phase IX of PMGSY in the State.
KSO has found irregularities in the bidding of tender for the road constructions under this scheme and has submitted a memorandum to the Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development to look into the issue, he said.
Through the memorandum, he said the student body has apprised the ministry that KSO takes strong exception of the negative bidding war brought into play by contractors under the Manipur State Rural Roads Development Agency (MSRRDA) standard bidding document for road construction in Manipur.
He further continued that the e-tendering introduced by the government is laudable and should be continued, however, the mode of bidding practiced by the contractors in the State has become unscrupulous, with the contractors even bidding 30 percent lower than the government rate.
How will the contractors maintain quality in their work if their bid is lower than the approved rates, he asked.
But on the other hand it is understandable if the contractor bidding lower than the approved rate is willing to forego his earnest money, he further added.
He said the student body has further implored the ministry not to entertain any bidding below 5 percent for works under PMGSY.