SHILLONG, June 28: The All Meghalaya Contractors and Suppliers’ Association (AMCSA) has urged the state government to withdraw the tender for the proposed State Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Hospital at Upper Shillong and reissue it under a split-package system, arguing that the current bidding structure effectively excludes local contractors from participating in the project.
AMCSA president Precious Sumer said the consolidation of the entire project into a single large tender places it beyond the reach of many competent local contractors who possess the expertise and experience to execute different components of the work, but may not be able to meet the requirements of a large-scale integrated contract.
In a memorandum submitted to Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister Sanbor Shullai, the association proposed dividing the project into separate packages covering components such as site development, earthwork, boundary walls, roads, drainage systems, and staff quarters.
According to the association, a package-based approach would allow a larger number of Meghalaya-based contractors to participate in the project while ensuring healthy competition and timely execution of the works.
Welcoming the government’s initiative to establish the veterinary hospital, which is expected to strengthen animal healthcare services in the state, the association maintained that the present tender structure limits opportunities for local contractors despite their proven contribution to infrastructure development across Meghalaya.
Sumer said many indigenous contractors possess the technical capability, experience, and manpower required to undertake various components of the project if given an equal opportunity to compete.
The association further argued that splitting the project into multiple packages would enable simultaneous execution of different works, improve transparency in the tendering process, and generate employment opportunities within the state.
It also contended that greater participation by local contractors would help retain economic benefits within Meghalaya and contribute to the growth of the state’s construction sector.
The AMCSA said the government should suspend the current tender process and invite fresh bids under a revised framework that would make the project more accessible to qualified local firms.
However, the state government has indicated that there is little possibility of cancelling the tender.
Reacting to the association’s demand, Shullai said the open tender has already been floated, and all eligible contractors are free to participate in the bidding process.
“The association submitted a representation to me seeking cancellation of the tender. However, I cannot give any assurance on cancelling or not cancelling it because the open tender has already been issued,” he said.
The minister said the tender committee, not the department alone, would decide on the matter.
“Any contractor who fulfils the eligibility criteria and is capable of executing the project can participate. The question of cancelling the tender does not arise,” he said.
Shullai also revealed that he had advised members of the association to participate in the bidding process and not seek its withdrawal.
“I told them to participate in the tender. It is for the tender committee to scrutinise the bids and decide who should be awarded the work,” he said.
The minister further dismissed allegations that the tender was designed to favour certain individuals.
“If we already had our own people in mind, there would be no need to call for an open tender. All government-recognised contractors who meet the required conditions can participate,” he added.
