Kota Medical College raided by Anti Corruption Bureau

Udaipur: The campus of the new Kota Medical College was recently raided by the anti corruption bureau (ACB) based on media reports about innumerable inconsistencies prevailing in its purchases.

Dr Kiran Kang, SP, ACB supervising the raid sealed the store room and took over purchase records of the past two years in order to corroborate evidence of alleged purchases of electrical equipment and other accessories having been made, at exceptional price.

"Our team raided the new campus. Since the storekeeper was away, we couldn't check the stock. So, the store was sealed by our men. We have taken their purchase records of the current and last year and found that many of the items have been purchased at exorbitant prices," Chandra Sheel Thakur, the additional SP, told TOI.

Government norms ask for calling of limited tenders for purchases above Rs 1 lakh and ratification and consent signatures of Purchase Committee Members for purchases exceeding Rs. 10,000.

Favouritism is seen prevailing in the former case, as purchase authorities allegedly give away tenders to those they choose to oblige. In the latter case , in this situation , the college chairman seemed oblivious of purchases made and the bills were devoid of his consenting signatures as well stated Thakur.

The team also revealed that two tenders worth Rs 83,000 and Rs 63,000 each for accessories such as switches, bulbs, screws and refrigerating items were given away beyond the maximum retail price(MRP).

"Once we get hold of the equipment, we will test their quality and prices in the market. We will also check all those involved in the commissioning scam, including the roles of superintendent and principal of the medical college," the anti corruption bureau officer stated.