The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has raised concerns over the Notice Inviting Quotation (NIQ) issued by the Directorate of Housing, Meghalaya, on September 10, 2024, for a ₹69.65 crore tin roofing supply contract. The HYC claims the tender conditions are designed to favor specific companies or contractors closely connected with the government.
Addressing the media, HYC President Roykupar Synrem alleged that the tender’s terms allow only local tin manufacturers in Meghalaya to participate, without specifying any need for technical expertise or prior experience. He noted that the financial requirements set in the NIQ are unusually low, creating suspicion that the tender is skewed to benefit certain players.
Synrem pointed out discrepancies in the financial criteria, comparing a previous ₹20 crore tender in 2022, which required contractors to show a minimum capital of ₹10 crore, while the current ₹69.65 crore tender requires only ₹1 crore. This, according to the HYC, raises doubts about the transparency of the process.
The HYC expressed concern that the tender limits competition, which could result in higher prices and lower-quality materials, ultimately misusing public funds. The group called for a review of the tender process to ensure fair competition and transparency.
