The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) standing committee has directed the civic administration to conduct a thorough investigation into all proposals approved by the mechanical and electrical (M&E) department over the last four years. This decision came after BJP member Makarand Narwekar raised serious allegations regarding a Rs 62-crore tender for the installation of LED lights beneath skywalks.
Allegations of Corruption in LED Tender
Narwekar claimed that the tender was awarded to a company that had been blacklisted by the Thane Municipal Corporation. He alleged that the LED lights, which are available on the Government e-Marketplace (GEM) portal for approximately Rs 700 each, were purchased at a cost of about Rs 9,600 per unit. The lights were reportedly of inferior quality and stopped functioning within a week of installation. Furthermore, Narwekar stated that the lights were manufactured in China and did not incorporate the latest technology.
"The entire tender was a sham, tailor-made to benefit a handful of contractors and officials," Narwekar asserted. He claimed to possess documentary evidence to support his allegations and demanded a white paper on the tender as well as a review of all work carried out by the M&E department in the past four years.
Political Reactions and Committee Action
Shiv Sena group leader Amey Ghole echoed the demand for a special meeting to discuss the issue. NCP member Sayeeda Khan expressed concern that the BMC's reputation was being tarnished due to the actions of this department.
Standing committee chairman Prabhakar Shinde instructed the BMC administration to submit a detailed report within 15 days. The matter has been kept pending until the report is received. The committee's directive aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the civic body's procurement processes.
