Madhya Pradesh Minister of State Pratima Bagri on Thursday, October 22, ordered a high-level inquiry into alleged irregularities in purchases made by officials of the Urban Development and Housing Department, news agency ANI reported. The order followed a viral video in which the department's Additional Chief Secretary, Sanjay Dubey, raised concerns over procurement practices in urban local bodies.

Source: ANI via Latestly

According to reports of Dubey's review, urban local bodies in the state made purchases worth Rs 1,134 crore through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal over the past three years — yaani about Rs 11.34 arab of public money spent by 374 urban local bodies. Dubey flagged wide price differences for similar items bought by different bodies.

Rs 1,134 crorepurchases reviewed over three years
374urban local bodies covered
Rs 250 crorepossible saving at average rates, per the review

Citing one example from the review, reports said one municipal body bought a garbage vehicle for Rs 2 lakh while another bought the same vehicle for Rs 6 lakh after adding dustbins. The review estimated that if the purchases had been made at average rates, the government could have saved approximately Rs 250 crore — yaani Rs 2.5 arab. These figures are from the official's review as reported by regional media; the irregularities themselves remain alleged at this stage.

Bagri said the department monitors purchases and construction work and takes action whenever irregularities are found. Referring to the viral video, she said, as reported by ANI: "The video that now went viral has brought the matter to our attention. We will conduct a high-level inquiry and take appropriate action. Whoever is found involved will face action."

Source: Indian Economic Observer (ANI)

No findings have yet been recorded against any individual official. The inquiry is expected to examine how the purchases were made and whether procurement rules were followed, and action, the minister said, would follow its findings.