PPE and test kits have also been purchased at exorbitant prices, Congress said.
Bhubaneswar:
Allegating large-scale corruption in the purchase of medical kits for COVID-19 in Odisha, Congress on Thursday called for the intervention of Governor Ganeshi Lal for an impartial and thorough investigation into the “mega scam”, a charge strongly denied as false by the ruling BJD.
A delegation led by President of Congress Niranjan Patnaik submitted a memorandum to the governor alleging irregularities in the purchase of masks, test kits, personal protective equipment (PPE) and other items in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have submitted a memorandum to the governor and urged him to take the necessary steps to ensure an impartial investigation into the irregularities in the purchase of various kits and equipment by Odisha State Medical Corporation Limited (OSMCL),” said Mr. Patnaik to journalists.
Declaring that similar memoranda have been sent by party units in the 30 districts of the state, he said that Congress would also contact the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Lokayukta for further investigation.
Patnaik said the central government released two separate guidelines on March 21 and 24, setting the maximum retail price for masks at Rs 10 and Rs 16, respectively.
Although the Center has ordered states to purchase medical articles through the electronic marketing portal, with which around 200 companies are registered, in order to guarantee a reasonable price and transparency, Odisha has chosen not to do so, a- he declared.
“Although the OSMCL initially ordered 30 lakh masks through the portal on March 3, it suddenly withdrew on March 18 and placed its order with a Tamil Nadu company for 16 rupees a piece, a gesture that smacks of corruption. ” said the head of Congress.
Thanks to this portal, Delhi, Pondicherry, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gujarat, Telangana and other states had bought masks at Rs 8.47, Rs 7.88, Rs 7.50, Rs 2.40 and Rs 1.34 per piece, respectively, Mr. Patnaik stated and added that the public procurement made by OSMCL should therefore be the subject of a thorough investigation.
In addition, just two days before the purchase was made from the company Tamil Nadu, the company had purchased masks from another company at the price of Rs 9.90 per piece, he said and s asked what prompted them to pay a much higher price.
Likewise, the RT-PCR machine was also purchased at three times its price, said Congress in its memorandum and stated that the RT-PCR machine, which costs around Rs 4-5 lakh, was purchased at Rs 12. , 84 lakh.
PPE and test kits have also been purchased at exorbitant prices, he added, adding that Odisha has purchased at least 100 RT-PCR machines and two lakh test kits.
“Although it is compulsory for the government to buy 20% of its needs from MSMEs within the state, the purchases were made from outside the state in total disregard of the directive, which must be reviewed, “said Mr. Patnaik.
Denying the allegations, BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra said the state government had never paid a single rupee higher than the actual price.
Rajya Sabha’s member denounced the opposition and challenged her to go to court and the appropriate forum if she had evidence.
Affirming that the state government has always been firm with the people in the battle against COVID-19, Mr. Patra said that he followed the central directives without any exceptions. He cited the notifications issued by the Center in March.
He said that due to high demand and limited supply of masks, many states were forced to buy at a high price and claimed that Gujarat had purchased masks at 20 rupees per piece, the Maharashtra and Kerala at 16 rupees, Karnataka at 18 rupees, West Bengal at Rs 17.70 and Tamil Nadu at Rs 15.96. It was completely natural as the country was going through a difficult period due to the lack of medical equipment, he said.
The top priority of the Odisha government is to save human lives, ensure their safety and well-being during the pandemic. The safety of front-line workers was also paramount in the minds of the government, he said.
Calling Congress false claims, Patra said people will never forgive dirty politics during the pandemic. They are free to approach the appropriate courts and forums with evidence, he added.
