After smart meter, contractors allege favoritism in Bescom’s vehicle hiring tender

Bengaluru

As bidding for the vehicle hiring tender is set to open soon, contractors with the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (Bescom) have alleged favoritism in the process.

According to sources in Bescom, about seven companies have applied for the tender and will participate in the bidding. However, contractors allege that the process lacks transparency.

A contractor, who did not wish to be named, told this website that Manjushree Travels, run by a person identified as Abhilash, appears to have an advantage in the bidding due to his alleged proximity to Ramesh H J, Director (Technical), Bescom.

The contractor further claimed that certain rules were bent to include this travel company in the tender and alleged that Abhilash is a close relative of Ramesh. Many contractors believe that Manjushree Travels will eventually bag the tender.

Responding to the allegations, Ramesh said, we have received some complaints about the tender, and the procurement department is handling the same.”

Another contractor stated, “we have decided to move the courts against the tender if Bescom fails to adhere to the tender guidelines and maintain transparency.” Contractors have urged Energy Minister K J George and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to monitor the process closely.

Smart meter scam

It may be recalled that Bescom is already under scrutiny over smart meter purchase contracts. About a week ago, the Lokayukta police served a notice to George, seeking an explanation regarding alleged irregularities. The High Court, which is hearing the matter, has directed the Lokayukta police to collect relevant documents and submit a report on the allegations.

Karnataka Lokayukta B S Patil, speaking to blrpost.com, said, “the Lokayukta police are following the High Court’s orders. The report will be submitted to the court.”

The state government’s ambitious plan to install 39 lakh smart meters came under a cloud of controversy following allegations of large-scale corruption. Initially, the project was limited to the Bescom jurisdiction but was later expanded across Karnataka, with a target of nine lakh installations per year.

Opposition parties, including the BJP and JDS, have accused the government of inflating costs and purchasing meters at rates significantly higher than market prices. They claim that crores of rupees were misappropriated through irregularities in the procurement process.

The controversy has now reached the judiciary, with a petition filed in the High Court demanding a thorough investigation. Following preliminary scrutiny, the court has reportedly directed the Lokayukta police to review the project files and submit a detailed report on the alleged illegal tendering practices.

The outcome of the Lokayukta inquiry is expected to determine whether the project was a case of administrative oversight or a deliberate misuse of public funds.