IMPHAL, February 27: The State Social Welfare department has called e-tender bids for the supply of micronutrient fortified blended food in contrivance of the norms laid by the central vigilance commission by adding a clause in the eligibility criteria which restricts all India suppliers, a source said.
Various dealers have called for the removal of the clause which stated that the firm or company should have experiences of supplying the micronutrient fortified blended food in the Northeast region of India. The general condition for the tender also stated that `the supplier will have to get samples of the supplied food items tested from the NABL accredited laboratory (food and nutrition board, eastern region & quality control laboratory, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, Kolkata)`.
As per the department norms, the last date for the submission of the e-tender bid for the supply of the nutrients is on March 4 this year.
The technical tender bids for the supply of nutrients will start on March 9 at 11 am.
Unfortunately, the criteria for the bids are beyond the norms of the PCW and Central Vigilance Commission. Regarding the addition of the clause, Murliwala Private Limited based in New Delhi has submitted a written complaint to the Principal Secretary (Social Welfare), Commissioner of Finance and the Director of the Social Welfare department that it might prevent the selection of the best supplier with experiences all over India.
In the written complaint, the firm has appealed the authorities to remove the added clause and help find the best dealer or firm which can provide the best and quality micronutrient fortified blended food for the children of the State. If the clause remains in the tender, there might be a compromise in the quality of food.
It may be mentioned that the matter was discussed in the ongoing session of the second day of 10th session of the tenth Manipur Legislative Assembly. During the general observation of the demand for grant by Andro A/C MLA Th Shyamkumar has raised the issue and demanded the removal of the clause from the concerned minister. He had also further stated that the concerned department must have given a chance to other firms with experience all over India to choose the best firm.
The Chief Minister had assured Shyamkumar on behalf the concerned Minister that the matter would be looked into.