ITAHARI, Nov 27: Itahari Sub-metropolitan City has formed an internal committee to probe procurement of CFL bulbs worth Rs 10 million.

The sub-metropolis formed the committee after the procurement landed in controversy. The eastern regional office of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) is also looking into the case.

The internal committee of the sub-metropolis is led by Chairman of Ward No. 6 Dipak Gautam, who is also the accounts chief of the sub-metropolis executive council.
The Public Procurement Act and Regulation require all the government or semi-government agencies to make procurement through competitive bidding.

The internal committee has been given 15 days to submit its investigation report. 
The meeting of the executive council of Itahari Sub-metropolitan City held on Friday took the decision to form an internal probe committee. 

Speaking at a press meet, Dwarikalal Chaudhary, mayor of Itahari Sub-metropolitan City, said that the internal study will not affect jurisdiction of the CIAA.

The sub-metropolis purchased bulbs from two firms - Gajurmukhi and Sagar Traders, even though 36 firms submitted quotation.“

"We have found a nexus between the suppliers and municipal employees," Chaudhary said, adding“: "We will take needful punishment against the guilty after investigation into the case is complete."

Last year also, the sub-metropolis had purchased bulbs at higher rates, the mayor allege“. "The employees told that prices are fixed based on reference rate provided by the Itahari Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) as well as District Development Committee, Itahari“

"I had told the employees that they can go for quotation if procurement through bidding takes a long time. But they did not ask me while making procurement decision and releasing payme”t," Chaudhary told the press meet.

Meanwhile, organizing a separate press meet, office-bearers of ICCI said that they had sent the reference price as per the price determined by traders of electric goods based in Itahari.

 
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