Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Feb 5: The High Court on Tuesday February 3, criticized the officials concerned for making changes in the tender conditions for transportation of text books being distributed to schools free of cost, in the guise of providing clarifications. At the same time, it has asked the government to call for fresh tender.

High Court judge Justice N Kumar who allowed a petition filed by T Venkatesh, a transport contractor, asked the officials to ensure that no mistake is committed in the tender notification this time or while issuing clarifications as in the past.

"Old habits die hard. Unfortunately, there is no will on the part of the government or its functionaries to make corrections for the old habits. They frame rules for the benefit of the people and then break or misuse them," he observed.

In the petition, T Venkatesh, a transport contractor had pointed out that some conditions of the bid as published vide tender notification dated November 12, 2007 were change at the pre-bid meeting held on December 12 the same year. Because of the changed conditions, the contract went to Aqua Packers and Movers, he had argued.