Trinath
Billyground, Sept 07: A vital quarry in the Middle Andaman region has become centre of a fresh controversy over allegation of favouritism by authorities during allocation. Closed for a long period, the largest quarry in Middle Andaman at Harinagar village, Billyground has been hindering developmental projects as contractors were forced to either procure quarry products from Dilipur or Mayabunder at exorbitant prices.
To resolve the crisis and put developmental projects on track, the District Andaman of North and Middle Andaman handed over the Harinagar quarry to the Pramukh, Mayabunder. Subsequently, the Pramukh, Mayabunder floated tenders for allotment of the quarry. Two Quarry operators, Hirenmoy Roy and SK Halder, participated in the bid process and were found eligible as per the terms and conditions stipulated. Accordingly, the comparative statement was prepared and SK Halder was found to be the lowest bidder eligible for award of the allotment order.
Confident of award, SK Halder, insured 17 labourers for quarry operations with TATA AIG Insurance Ltd. by depositing an amount of Rs 41,272/-. Later, as per procedures, SK Halder approached the Pramukh with a letter dated Aug 7, 2014 demanding orders for depositing royalty against the quarry at Harinagar.
But to his shock, Halder realized that the Pramukh in connivance with the E.O were plotting to cancel the tender process to benefit one of their favourite candidates. Sources claim, Halder was also offered Rs 2 lakh by some shady people to surrender his claim, but Halder turned down the proposal. Incensed over the unbending attitude of the eligible bidder, the Pramukh and the EO passed an order in haste cancelling the entire tender process.
Aggrieved over the move, SK Halder met the Executive Officer to find out the reasons for the cancellation. To add to his woes, the EO vehemently stated, “It is the right of the administrator to accept and cancel any order with assigning any reasons.” You are free to go to the LG or Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the EO reportedly said.
When Andaman Sheekha investigated the matter and called up a few people for details on September 01 and 02, all of a sudden the attitude of authorities changed and Surprisingly on September 2, the orders were issued to SK Halder at too in late evening hours.
Now the question is why after intervention of media the orders were issued. When the entire tendering process was cancelled earlier how come the allotment orders were issued to the bidder, after media investigated the matter?
