ITANAGAR, May 5: Allegation of lapses in bidding procedures of 15000 Mt seized coal under Director Geology and Mining at Kharsang in Changlang district on 30 April, 2018 has surfaced.
One of the auction bidders, M/S Shivam Bricks Unit Enterprise filed a complaint with Managing Director Mineral Development & Trading Corporation Ltd, claiming that bidding date was fixed on 30th April, 2018 coinciding with Buddha Purnima, a national holiday.
The power of attorney holder of firm also claimed that the auction notice was published in “a local newspaper in Itanagar which is hardly found in Kharsang”.
The bidder further claimed that they were prevented by unruly mob and women from participating in the bidding process forcing them to miss the deadline.
It also said that after the bidding, the ADC Miao had issued an offer letter to the highest bidder without submitting the report of auction committee to the managing director of Mineral Development & Trading Corporation Ltd and secretary Geology and Mining, thus, flouting the laid down procedures.
The intended bidder further demanded for retendering of the auction process.
Taking cognizance of complaint letter filed by one of the intended bidders, the secretary Geology and Mining had issued cancellation of lifting order of 15000 Mt seized coal on Thursday.
In its cancellation order letter addressed to the Deputy Commissioner of Changlang, Secretary Geology and Mining, Bidol Tayeng mentioned that the Miao ADC’s report indicates serious lapses stating that the committee report should have been submitted to MD APMDTCL through the deputy commissioner of Changlang.
However, the committee has on the basis of its own recommendation finalized the list of successful bidders and has also issued letter for deposit of security money and total bid value, the secretary added.
The secretary further said that the decision of the committee to act on its own recommendation without prior approval of the competent authority is violation of established procedure. He also requested the Changlang DC to issue direction to the Miao ADC to cancel the offer letter.
Meanwhile, the ADC Miao did not respond to the query sent by this daily.