A report by the Public Works Department (PWD), Arunachal Pradesh, has rejected allegations of irregularities in recent tendering processes in Tawang, even as protests erupted over the issue on March 17.
The document outlines details of two Notices Inviting Tender (NITs) issued by the Tawang Division and clarifies the procedures followed in awarding contracts. According to the report, the first NIT, issued on February 11, 2026, involved six projects and drew participation from 26 bidders.
The tenders were opened on February 17 and subsequently evaluated by a board before being forwarded to the Superintending Engineer for final approval.
However, the process triggered discontent among unsuccessful bidders, who alleged malpractice and demanded cancellation of the tenders. The report acknowledges these complaints, stating that “unqualified bidders/contractors has lodged a series of complaints… alleging irregularities/malpractices, threatening to protest/dharna etc.”
Despite the allegations, the department has maintained that due process was followed. It emphasises that adequate time was provided for tender publicity and that the process adhered to the CPWD Works Manual 2024. “No procedural lapses is found,” the report states, asserting that the approvals were granted by the competent authority within delegated financial powers.
The report further underlines that the authority to approve tenders lies with the Superintending Engineer, thereby dismissing allegations against the Executive Engineer and Assistant Engineer.
It explicitly notes that “the question of irregularities/ corruption… does not arise” in the tendering process.
A second NIT, issued on March 5, 2026, for four projects, also came under scrutiny. The report explains that delays in newspaper publication led to an extension of the tender submission deadline from March 13 to March 18 to ensure fair competition.
Eight bidders participated in this round, and the evaluation process is currently underway.
Reiterating its position, the PWD stated that even in this case, all procedures were followed in line with established norms. The extension period and publicity requirements were said to comply fully with Clause 4.13 of the CPWD Works Manual.
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