CAG finds 'cartelisation' in Tasmac tender

A report by the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India has flagged potential cartelisation in the tender process of Tasmac to transport stock from its depots to vending shops, stating that same entities were awarded tenders by accepting bids in physical form despite the department coming out with mechanisms for e-tender since December 8, 2017.

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

The report, Compliance Audit (Revenue) for 2021-22, which was tabled in the Assembly on Saturday, said the "issue is not flagged by the internal control system of the company". When potential cartelisation in tender process in a few entities was pointed out on September 2022, Tasmac replied that it had no choice but to choose from those who applied.

"Tasmac should have realised that limited participation in the tender may be due to cartelisation and should have taken effective measures to publicise the tender process widely. The reply only highlights failure of Tasmac to rectify the shortcomings in the transport tender process," the report said.