The Maharashtra Public Works Department (PWD) is facing intense criticism for reducing the tender publicity period, raising serious concerns over transparency and fairness. Critics argue that this move favors a select group of contractors while undermining healthy competition.
Previously, tenders worth ₹25 crore to ₹100 crore had a publicity period of 21 days, while those exceeding ₹100 crore had 30 days. However, the revised system has slashed these to just 15 and 21 days, respectively. Transparency advocates, including Surajya Sangharsh Samiti president Vijay Kumbhar, have formally objected to the decision, calling it an attempt to manipulate the bidding process.
The growing influence of contractors within the PWD ministry has been a longstanding issue. Reports suggest tenders are structured to meet specific contractor demands, sometimes even finalized in their offices, completely bypassing competitive bidding. The PWD’s failure to follow Central Vigilance Commission guidelines has further fueled allegations of corruption.
Justifying the change, the department cited upcoming elections and the urgency of development projects. However, critics argue that elections are foreseeable and should not be an excuse for compromising fairness.
The mandatory re-publication clause for insufficient competition has also been removed, raising further doubts about the integrity of the tendering process. With repeated deadline extensions and no clear end date, the move threatens Maharashtra’s infrastructure projects, benefiting a privileged few while causing financial losses to the state.
Urgent intervention is being demanded to reverse these changes and ensure accountability in government contracting.