Attempt ongoing to sabotage Sabarimala e-tender; Officials, middlemen lobby behind move

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An attempt is being made to sabotage the e-tendering process for Sabarimala to reduce the estimated cost. A lobby consisting of some officials and middlemen of the Travancore Devaswom Board is behind it. The tender was for the purchase of 5000 metric tons of jaggery and 1400 metric tons of dried rice.

The officials who are involved in the sabotage did not mention the security deposit in the tender advertisement. The condition that the goods should be delivered only up to Pamba was also removed. This condition was included so that more contractors could participate. The e-tender was called to avoid middlemen.

Only one person participated in the tender called on August 7. With this, tenders were called again for Jaggery, dried rice, 40 metric tons of sugar, 3 metric tons of sugar powder, and 20 metric tons of cumin. But only two people participated. If at least three tenders are received, the contract can be finalised through negotiations.

In Kerala, it is in Sabarimala that most jaggery is used. The largest number of jaggery producers and distributors are in Maharashtra. None of them participated in the tender. With this, it became clear to the board that the contract is not being signed by the producers or distributors.

Middlemen misled the suppliers

The board had advertised in Marathi newspapers, including in Maharashtra, inviting jaggery suppliers to participate. When no one participated, the board inquired about this. It was then that they were informed that the middlemen told the suppliers that the board would not allow money. Since the contractors did not show up, the tender process will be extended indefinitely. According to the rules, re-tendering should be completed within a specified number of days. Newspaper advertisements and time for submitting tenders should also be given. If the contractors do not participate in the tender, the board will be forced to reduce the cost and relax the conditions.

The cost of purchasing goods for a year is 40 crores

The cost of jaggery alone is 16 crores