Chennai: Tamil Nadu's Opposition parties — DMK and PMK — on Thursday demanded that Tangedco come clean on why it chose to purchase power meters at a higher cost when a Noida-based firm had quoted a much lower price for the same and whether there was any political interference.
DMK Working President MK Stalin and PMK MP Anbumani Ramadoss, in separate statements, quoted the Madras high court restraining Tangedco from processing or allotting Rs 163.78 crore tender for the supply of 29.88 lakh numbers of single phase hour meters.
While Stalin asked Tangedco to clarify whether there was anyone behind the decision to purchase meters at a higher rate while there were options at lower rates as well, Anbumani demanded a detailed inquiry into the issue alleging that the incident showed how corruption is “deep-rooted” in Tamil Nadu. “While the Noida-based Capital Power Systems Ltd was ready to supply 29.88 lakh metres at a cost of '453 per meter, the Government chose to order metres from HPL Company which quoted the price at Rs 493 per meter. Tangedco should clarify why it chose to spend more on purchase of meters while the company itself is in debts”, Stalin said in his statement.
The Opposition Leader accused the AIADMK Government of ignoring Tenders Act, which says the work should be allotted to companies, which has the lowest price.
“Tangedco has decided to purchase metres from a company at a higher cost due to which there will be loss for the discom to the extent of Rs 12.50 crore”, he said, seeking to know whether Power Minister P. Thangamani was working for the people or for private firms.
In his statement, Anbumani demanded that the Tamil Nadu Government order a detailed inquiry into the issue of purchasing the metres at a higher cost. “Those in power are benefiting from the irregularities at Tangedco which has weakened the organisation. Since the irregularities would affect both the people and the government, the administration should order a detailed inquiry into the entire issue”, Anbumani said.
“While the Noida-based Capital Power Systems Ltd was ready to supply 29.88 lakh metres at a cost of Rs 453 per meter, the Government chose to order metres from HPL Company which quoted the price at Rs 493 per meter. Tangedco should clarify why it chose to spend more on purchase of meters while the company itself is in debts”
