Documents will be prepared by studying pros and cons: Sudin

PANJIM, JULY 27
Concurring with the Opposition that there were discrepancies in the contract awarded to Shimnit Utsch Pvt Ltd for providing HSRP, Transport Minister Sudin Dhavalikar on Tuesday assured the House to strike down the controversial contract and float fresh tenders.
“Tender documents will be prepared by studying all pros and cons,” he said responding to a question tabled by Leader of the Opposition, Manohar Parrikar during “Question Hour” on Tuesday.
He said the right procedure was not followed right from the time tenders were floated for HSRP. “The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) manual was not followed however I will ensure that no such discrepancies  are allowed when fresh tenders are floated,” said Transport minister as Parrikar demanded action against those involved in the criminal conspiracy.
In a written reply to a question related to HSRP, the Transport minister   informed the House that the matter has been referred to the Vigilance department.
The findings of the Chief Secretary indicate there was criminal fraud, Parrikar said reading a para from chief secretaries report.
The State Government appointed enquiry under Chief Secretary as Opposition in the last session of the Assembly persistently followed the issue of HSRP alleging Shimnit Utsch had fraudulently managed to get the contract in connivance of officials of the Transport department.
Mainly, the Opposition had objected to the high rate quoted by Shimnit Utsch in providing HSRP as they claimed it can be made available at reasonably low rate.
Parrikar said their stand has been vindicated as Supreme Court recently, while deciding similar issue involving Shimnit Utsch India Pvt Ltd, versus West Bengal Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd, up held the decision of the West Bengal government in doing away with the conditions of experience in foreign countries and prescribed turnover.
The apex court ruled that the government’s decision was in larger interest without compromising on safety, security and quality or sustainable capacity.
Parrikar said, five country conditions were added to keep others out of the competition while Dhavalikar said all pros and cons will be considered before issuing fresh tenders for HSRP.
No taking sides: With Opposition accusing that police acted in “unwarranted haste” in dealing with complaint about bogus number plates, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said police will not be allowed to take sides and be used by anybody to achieve their goals.
The issue was raised by Sanguem MLA, Vasudev Gaonkar during “Question Hour.” Referring to the complaint registered at Margao police station against the proprietor of a firm for providing HSRP without authorisation, he asked why did police go to Delhi to get the accused who was released on bail, the next day.
Ironically, even six months later police have not filed chargesheet in the case, as they are awaiting CFSL report, pointed out Parrikar. He said, police could have summoned the accused by issuing show cause notice as there was no tearing hurry in the case compelling Goa police to go to Delhi.
Did police get kickbacks from the rival company, Parrikar asked further  adding “police are pawns in the hands of the companies providing HSRP  but Kamat said police will not be allowed to take sides.