Nashik: "Although the government is implementing club tendering for Simhastha-related projects, large contractors often secure these tenders and then subcontract the work to smaller contractors like us at 15–20 per cent lower rates. This defeats the purpose of the government’s policy," said Public Works Department contractor Ranjit Shinde, while questioning Minister Shivendra Raje Bhosale about possible corrective measures.
Bhosale held a meeting with officials and employees of the Public Works Department to review the progress of Simhastha works. During the meeting, contractor Ranjit Shinde raised a series of questions directed at the minister.
Responding to Shinde’s query, Bhosale said that 18 projects worth ₹2,200 crore have been sanctioned for Simhastha preparations. These cannot be termed as club tenders, he clarified. Since the Kumbh Mela works are of great importance, ensuring high quality and durability is essential, and therefore, preference has been given to experienced contractors.
He further explained that all Simhastha works are being executed through the designated authority, making the allegations of club tendering baseless. Bhosale also announced that in the second phase, works worth ₹500 crore will be allocated specifically to small contractors.
