SHILLONG, June 25: Alleging massive corruption in the ruling government, the Congress party on Thursday strongly questioned the PHE department’s tendering process following the allocation of massive projects worth nearly Rs 1,900 crore to a Hyderabad-based firm.
Congress General Secretary Manuel Badwar referred specifically to the award of projects to BAC Infratech Pvt Ltd, stating that the series of allotments to one firm indicates deliberate manipulation of tender parameters to favour a single player.
He questioned the alleging favouritism, pointing out to the flawed system designed to benefit select outsiders.
“These things happen when there is corruption,” he asserted, adding that executing PHE works does not require “rocket science” and there is no need to bring subject specialists from outside the state.
Terming the episode a “perfect example of crony capitalism,” Badwar accused the government of favouritism that deprives local contractors of their rightful opportunities.
“Many contractors within the state have the technical expertise,” he said, emphasising that local firms must not be sidelined.
He stressed that the benefits of earmarked funds should reach the public at large and not become a “one-man show,” arguing that such economic activities must uplift society as a whole.
The Congress leader demanded that the government review the allegedly flawed tendering process and ensure greater transparency.
He suspected deeper irregularities and called for a comprehensive policy across all departments to guarantee fair participation by all eligible contractors.
The award to BAC Infratech has drawn criticism from multiple quarters, including the VPP, which alleged “crony capitalism” and monopolisation based on RTI findings.
The party claimed the Hyderabad firm, incorporated in 2014, has secured a dominant share of water supply projects (including New Shillong Township and Tikrikilla schemes) despite limited track record elsewhere.
Local PHE contractors have echoed these concerns, asserting they are competent to handle the projects if stringent eligibility criteria (high turnover and experience requirements) are relaxed. They noted that many such works are eventually sub-contracted to locals anyway.
The government, however, has rejected allegations of favouritism. PHE Minister Marcuise N. Marak maintained that projects under JJM, JICA, and AMRUT follow centrally mandated EPC/turnkey models awarded through transparent bidding based on merit and technical eligibility. He noted that few local firms possess the required expertise for these large-scale works.
