MHA suggests CBI probe into acquisition of 1,000 low-floor buses by Delhi govt

The discussion of “corruption” in annual maintenance contract (AMC) of the bus procurement by the Delhi Transport Corporation was brought into light by the BJP in Delhi Assembly in March this year. A three-member bench crafted by Lt Governor Anil Baijal in June had discovered procedural “flaws” in the AMC and its scrapping suggestion. The LG had conferred the matter to the MHA in July for its consideration, the officials averred.

By Sneha Sengupta Published on August 19, 2021, 19:57 IST

MHA suggests CBI probe into acquisition of 1,000 low-floor buses by Delhi govt

On August 19, The Ministry of Home Affairs suggested an investigation headed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the purchase of 1,000 low-floor buses by the Delhi government.

Earlier this year, the Delhi cabinet sanctioned the engagement of 300 low-floor electric AC buses by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC).

As per the route planned, 118 buses were to start in October, 100 by November and 60 buses were to be included by December of the current year whereas the remaining 20 buses are probable to reach by January 2022, reported Times Now.

The discussion of “corruption” in the annual maintenance contract (AMC) of the bus procurement by the Delhi Transport Corporation was brought into light by the BJP in Delhi Assembly in March this year. A three-member bench crafted by Lt Governor Anil Baijal in June had discovered procedural “flaws” in the AMC and its scrapping suggestion. The LG had conferred the matter to the MHA in July for its consideration, the officials averred.

As per the report in The Indian Express, while the purchase contract was worth Rs 850 crore, the 12-year AMC was for Rs 3,412 crore. The purchase tender was awarded to JBM Auto and Tata Motors on a 70:30 ratio while JBM Auto had also emerged as the L1 bidder in the AMC tendering, the report added.