Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Aug 11: The city corporation here has called for tenders for arranging pandal and other systems for the Independence Day programme to be held at Nehru Maidan here. However, the pandal is under construction even before the tenders are received and opened. This gave rise to debate as many felt that the tender process is followed just as a matter of procedure and not in its true spirit.

Just days before the programme, tender for pandal, tables, chairs, drinking water, decorations, shops etc have been called. The dates mentioned for filing of tenders and tender opening date were fixed after the Independence Day. This fact was mocked at by many.

As soon as these issues caught limelight, the officials made certain changes in the tender advertisement and published the revised one in the media. The last date for applying for tender forms, obtaining of blank tender forms etc have been mentioned now as August 12. Last date for filing filled in technical and financial bids has been given as 4 pm on August 13. The technical bids are supposed to be opened the same day as per the new publication.

But before these dates passed, items for pandal and other things were stocked at the Nehru Maidan on August 10 itself. This has made some social activists to criticise the corporation officials of misusing their powers.