Anand : A major scandal has erupted in the Anand Municipal Corporation, where tax money was allegedly looted in the name of the ‘Clean City’ drive. Official documents obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) act reveal that civic officials colluded with contractors to commit a massive fraud in dustbin procurement. The municipal administration spent ₹1 crore to buy just 295 dustbins.
RTI Revelations: Prices Paid Were 4 to 6 Times Higher Than GeM Rates!
While the government mandates procurement through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal for transparency, guidelines were blatantly flouted by officials:
Huge Price Difference: RTI data reveals that the dustbins were bought at 4 to 6 times the standard prices listed on the GeM portal.
₹75 Lakh Fraud: Comparing market rates and official portal prices shows the actual cost was far lower. Allegations suggest around ₹75 lakh was siphoned off in commissions and overbilling.
Public Outrage & Calls for High-Level Investigation
The disclosure has sparked anger among citizens and opposition leaders. Questions have been raised regarding the poor quality of the expensive dustbins and the manipulation of tender conditions to favor specific contractors.
Following the exposure of the ‘Dustbin Scam’, conscious citizens and opposition members are demanding an independent probe by the State Vigilance Commission or the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), alongside strict criminal action against the corrupt officials and agencies involved. Mahanagar Metro News will keep a close eye on this investigation.
