By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 21: The controversy surrounding the award of PHE projects worth nearly Rs 1,900 crore to Hyderabad-based BAC Infratech Pvt Ltd has intensified, with the Meghalaya PHE Contractors Association asserting that local contractors are fully competent to execute massive projects if the stringent tender conditions are relaxed.
The Association’s statement comes as the PHE Department faces sharp criticism for allegedly favouring outside firms, particularly BAC Infratech, which has secured a lion’s share of major water supply and infrastructure schemes across the state, including the escalated New Shillong Township Water Supply Scheme and projects in multiple districts.
The Association clarified that it is not opposing the allotment of projects to outside companies but is strongly highlighting how the existing tender criteria effectively sideline local players.
“The terms and conditions require contractors to have a turnover of crores of rupees and prior work orders or experience equivalent to the tendered value. It is very difficult for local PHE contractors in Meghalaya to meet such capacity,” the Association said.
They added that they have already apprised the state government on the matter and urged it to distribute the remaining works of the New Shillong Township Water Supply Scheme (Phase II) to local contractors according to their capacity.
The body also recalled that former officers in the PHE Department used to give opportunities to local contractors by allowing participation and allotting works as per their competence, resulting in efficient execution.
PHE Minister Marcuise N. Marak has strongly defended the awards, stating that all projects were allotted through a transparent tendering process based on merit, technical eligibility, experience, and financial capacity.
“Local contractors with the required expertise are very few,” the minister noted, adding that there is “no scope for manipulation or favouritism” in the process.
The Association, however, maintains that while the state has to follow central guidelines, a more lenient and practical approach in tender conditions can empower local firms without compromising quality.
