SMC issues notice to Joint Comm Works for unauthorized Rs 26.5 Cr project approval

Rajinder Kumar Gupta faces disciplinary action for bypassing protocol in high-value landfill project

SRINAGAR: The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has issued a show cause notice to Rajinder Kumar Gupta, Joint Commissioner Works, after he allegedly approved a Rs. 26.5 crore contract without proper authorization.
According to the available information, violations were committed during the tendering process for the construction of Landfill Cell Number 4, which was floated on September 22, 2023, under NIT No: 19 of 2023-24.
Dr. Owais Ahmed, Srinagar Municipal Commissioner, has issued a showcase notice in this regard.
Whereas, the tender for construction of Landfill Cell number 4 was floated Vide NIT No:19 of 2023-24 Dated: 22.09.2023, after the AAA was given by Administrative Department Vide No: 37-JK(HUD) of 2022 Dated: 19.03.2022 and technical sanction was given by Chief Engineer UEED vide no. 13 of 2022-23 dated 27.10.2022, the notice reads.
Whereas, in the house tender Examination and Evaluation Committee of SMC met on 15.05.2024 under the incumbent Joint Commissioner, Works for technical evaluation of the four bids received on 17.11.2023, being the last date of submission of the bids, it added.
As per the notice, the committee after discussion, recommended the proposal for approval for opening of financial bids of the two qualified bidders namely M/s. Hi Tech Engineers and M/s. N. S. Associates Pvt. Ltd. Whereas, the proposal of TEEC was placed before the Commissioner, SMC for perusal and approval and the Commissioner advised the Joint Commissioner Works to “Proceed U/R and put up for allotment only after MCC.
Whereas, Joint Commissioner, Works issued Letter of Acceptance in violation of the financial powers conferred under SO 15 of Finance Department issued vide notification dated 9.1.2020 under which power to allot individual contracts of the value upto Rs.7.00 cr only lies with Superintending engineer and the power to allot this contract of value of Rs.26.50cr was with Departmental contract committee, it added.
As per the notice based on a review of the records submitted by the Joint Commissioner Works, it is evident that the Letter of Acceptance was issued hastily, without approval of Departmental Contract Committee. It is also clear from the records available that performance guarantee has also been accepted, despite clear directions given by the Administrative department to scrap the tender in view of fresh plan of action approved under SBM 2.0 and CITIIS 2.0 for Srinagar Municipal Corporation area.
Rajinder Kumar Gupta, Joint Commissioner Works, is therefore directed to show cause, why departmental proceedings should not be initiated against him for violation of financial instructions and defiance of instructions of Competent Authority to keep the approval on hold till MCC is on force. The response to this show-cause notice must reach this office within seven days from the date of issuance, it added.
Pending enquiry, Rajinder Kumar Gupta, is hereby relieved from the additional charge as Joint Commissioner, Works, SMC, and is directed to return to his parent department i.e PWD (R&B). He shall consider himself relieved from Srinagar Municipal Corporation, with immediate effect, the notice reads.