The controversy over a Rs 206 crore order cleared by Maharashtra’s Women and Child Welfare Minister Pankaja Munde has exposed the pitfalls of ministerial discretion in government purchases. While it is certain to dent the image of the Devendra Fadnavis government in the state, it will provide an opportunity to the BJP’s political rivals to question the party’s commitment to the ‘na khaoonga, na khane doonga’ promise made during the election campaign.
In a complaint filed with the Anti- Corruption Bureau (ACB) office, a Congress leader has alleged that Pankaja Munde cleared the purchase of several items such as chikki, mats, dishes and books without inviting tenders at a cost of Rs 206 crore. According to the rules, any purchase above Rs 3 lakh has to be done through e-tender invitations. The government has banned purchases through the rate contract system, in which material is purchased after negotiations on its rate.
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