Jan. 13: Chief Minister B.S.Yeddyurappa has clarified that the delay in finalising the tender process for the works to be undertaken by the BBMP was due to a technical fault in the internet facility. “There is no ulterior motive or malafide intention on the part of the BBMP officers in holding the tender-related meetings till midnight of Tuesday and early morning Wednesday. Moreover, the e-tendering process is still in progress and no tenders have been finalised. Hence, there is no question of violating the rules,” Mr Yeddyurappa clarified in a detailed press note issued here on Wednesday.
The Chief Minister’s clarification comes in the wake of criticism by the opposition Congress and JD (S) on the hurried finalising of the tender for Rs 3,500 crore works.
The BBMP has simultaneously issued a detailed note chronologically explaining the process of finalising the tenders for various works it propose to undertake. “No rules have been flouted and no norms have been violated,” the note states.

* The BBMP had submitted a blue-print to the state government for comprehensive development of the city at a cost of Rs 22,000 crore.

* An advertisement was given through e-procurement to select qualified contractors on September 23, 2009.

* The high-level panel headed by chief secretary recommended for its approval on October 12, 2009.

* Following this, the state government has given in-principle clearance for the blue print on October 21,2009.

* The list of pre-qualified contractors were announced through e-procurement on December 7, 2009.

* The state government, on December 7, 2009, gave its administrative approval for development of arterial and sub-arterial roads besides seven signal-free roads at a cost of Rs 3248 crore.

* Pre-qualified contractors were invited through e-procurement onDecember 7, 2009.

* As announced, the last date for submitting tender was December 29, 2009.

* The last date for submitting tender was extended till January 8, 2010 for technical reasons and as per the request of the bidders.

* As pre-notified, technical bids were opened on January 12, 2010 at 11 AM and financial bids were opened the same day at 4.30 PM.

* Since there was technical fault in the BBMP office to open the tender through e-procurement, the same was opened in state government’s e-procurement office, as per section 5 (19) of the KTPP Act.

* As per section 6 of the KTPP act, the evaluation of the tender will have to be confidential.

* The tender process is still on and no tender has been finalised.

* After its evaluation, the tender needs the approval of the competent authority.

* No rules or norms have been flouted in finalising the tender process.