Hyderabad: The Telangana Women and Child Welfare Department is facing scrutiny over a tender for mobile phones meant for Anganwadi supervisors under the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS).
The Central Government had advised states to provide smartphones for this purpose. Many states followed a fair tender process, but Telangana’s method is questionable. Sources from ICDS revealed complaints have been sent to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) about the tender’s fairness.
Critics say public tenders should be fair and open. Specifications should allow all eligible manufacturers to bid, ensuring competition and saving public money. However, this tender seems biased. It specifically mentions Samsung A06 (4+64), raising concerns about favoritism.
Concerns grow as the department avoided a pre-bid meeting, which usually helps clarify queries and ensure fair participation. Skipping this step suggests a lack of transparency.
Despite written complaints from manufacturers, the department stayed silent, which is troubling. Critics argue the tender benefits certain interests rather than the public.
Two mobile companies have formally asked the CMO to cancel the tender. They demand a transparent process that uses public funds wisely.
Key issues highlighted include:
- Brand lock: Naming a specific brand and model excludes other bidders, blocking competition.
- Unrealistic deadline: A 10-day period for such a large tender limits participation.
- Non-GeM testing: Accepting samples from companies not on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) violates norms.
- Procedural lapse: Missing a Purchase Approval Certificate, replaced by an unsigned Meeting Minutes, raises concerns.
