Maharashtra's Directorate of Vocational Education and Training (DVET) has stirred controversy by importing LCD interactive panels from China's BenQ, contradicting the 'Make in India' initiative, while alleged irregularities and higher costs raise concerns.
DVET's decision to import Chinese-made panels, disregarding 'Make in India' directives, has raised eyebrows due to multiple discrepancies. The tender, bypassing 'Make in India' preferences, mandated specific certifications, eliminating Indian manufacturers. However, the imported panels lacked the stipulated certificates.
Each panel's exorbitant cost, purchased at Rs 2.2 lakh against the Rs 1.3 lakh listed on the government e-marketplace (GEM) for Taiwan-made BenQ panels, accentuated the financial disparity. DVET's director, Digambar Dalvi, denied protocol breaches, claiming orders were placed after committee scrutiny, dismissing awareness of a product switch from Taiwan to China.
Procurement for smart classrooms in ITIs, funded partly by the World Bank's Strive project, selected BenQ despite available Indian options like Cornea, Senses, and People Link LCD at lower costs.
The tender process allegedly favored BenQ, with four qualified bidders offering the same product. While regulations necessitate re-tendering if a single brand qualifies, DVET bypassed this, prompting suspicion of favoritism.
Despite discrepancies in country of origin and certification waivers, the state received panels from China without inspection, raising procedural concerns.
DVET's inspector of procurement, Anand Lohar, admitted ignorance about re-tendering obligations, reflecting possible procedural lapses. The lack of clarity regarding the mismatch between country of origin and supplied products further amplifies doubts about officials' awareness.
BenQ, deflecting queries, redirected accountability to its partner, M/S Logic System, responsible for executing the deal.
The procurement split into smaller batches, cumulatively costing Rs 7.18 crore, allegedly circumvented higher authority clearances, a move questioned by teachers aiming to petition the Chief Minister for an inquiry.
The incident illuminates potential deviations from procurement norms, undermining 'Make in India' goals and raising questions about procedural adherence and fair practices in Maharashtra's government procurement processes.
