AGM MM BSNL issued orders for decentralization of some Tendering Powers and its delegation to BA Heads wherein BA Heads are now empowered for tendering for Vehicle hiring, House Keeping, Hygiene, Stationary and other consumables, Watch, Ward & Security needs of their BA and all other tenders will be continued to be centralized activities at Circle Office. Copy<<<>>
The centralization orders were issued in May 2024 and after one year of its failure damaging the efficiency of BAs, now decision is reviewed partially and now BA Heads will have control over the tendering and Operation of these tenders.
Since the centralization of Powers with Circles, many issues were faced by BAs as the needs and requirements were not given priority as required by BA, the Officers in Circle Office were overloaded with the tedious works of issuing POs, Bill settlements and certain serious issues were reported in in tendering process and its utilization and bill process and payments of the bills.
This was demand by all BA Heads as it has totally paralyzed the works of BA and in many District /Circle Conferences of SNEA this issue was raised and accordingly SNEA CHQ has taken up matter.
It is unfortunate that certain officers in BSNL CO and certain CGMs are giving such wrong and childish ideas to BSNL Management with projection centralization of Tenders will reduce corrupt Practices and there will be no corrupt practices if tenders are done centrally, but these officers neglect the requirement and need of Field units and such bad ideas have created negative impact on overall working of BSNL and many works in many BAs were unofficially as good as closed.
But practically, the local vendors are given subcontract by these tenders by paying small amount and the overall activities of maintenance requirement are neglected.
There is further need to empower BA Heads for tendering powers for maintenance activities wherein field units are facing issues as centralized tenders are for greater area and higher amount. The eligibility criteria for participating in such tenders are such that only vendors having high turnover are eligible for such high amount tenders.
But while execution of works, these big shot vendors do not take part in actual need of maintenance activities and somehow create show that they are managing the works and finally accepts the amount by deduction of highest penalty which less than 10% of tender cost.
It means without completing the physical works as per tender conditions and specifications also, the successful venders mange to create picture that works started but by the end of tender period, the requirement of field units are neglected and about 60% of Tender Value payment is received by vendor.
We are hopeful for such review decision on the Tendering activities mainly related to OFC Maintenance and other such critical works impacting quality of Services by BSNL.
SNEA CHQ conveys thanks to CMD BSNL, Director EB and many CGMs who continuously put forward their demand for decentralization of Tendering activities, which has now partially accepted by BSNL Management.
