Arappor Iyakkam wants TN Water Resources Department to cancel box tenders

The Chennai-based organisation has alleged that the tenders, for 4 projects in Kanniyakumari district, are being used to eliminate competition and favour specific contractors

Arappor Iyakkam, a city-based organisation, has requested the Public Works Department/ Water Resources Department to cancel the box tenders for four projects in Agasteeswaram taluk, Kanniyakumari district with physical points of contact, and instead float e-tenders. In a representation to the Additional Chief Secretary, PWD and Secretary to the Chief Minister, the organisation’s convenor, Jayaram Venkatesan, said Arappor has learnt that the box tenders for work worth a total of ₹30.98 crore are being introduced to further restrict competition. The tenders mandate that the contractor must approach the engineer to buy application documents and submit bids to the engineer. He alleged that these physical points of contact are being used to eliminate other contractors and favour specific contractors.