CAG rejects 'pandemic-time exigency' claim, pulls up Kerala govt

IN what is certain to stir up ripples in the state politics, the CAG has rejected the Kerala government's contention that pandemic-time exigencies had forced it to procure PPE kits at a very high price when the state was in the grip of Covid-19.

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @T'Puram

In its report, 'Performance Audit on Public Health Infrastructure and Management of Health Services', which was released on Tuesday, the CAG said PPE kits were purchased for Rs 550 apiece on March 28, 2020. Just two days later, another purchase was made for the price of Rs 1,550 each, leading to an additional expenditure of Rs 10.23 crore.

A new supplier, who charged 300% more than the standard rate, was among those from whom this procurement was made. The audit has found that the government overlooked companies offering lower-priced products and favoured new suppliers, resulting in these inflated costs.