No takers for tenders to run 52 new Indira Canteens

BENGALURU: The Congress government in the state had approved the setting up of new Indira Canteens last year in Bengaluru and had decided to call for tenders to start the construction work soon.

In October last year, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) had called for tenders for the construction of 52 Indira Canteens in 52 wards. However, no company or individual participated in the tender process, proving to be a major setback for the government.

The major reason for there being no takers for the tenders is because of the stringent rules and the issue of construction costs. Additionally, the pathetic situation of existing Indira Canteens and unpaid bills has also deterred participation in the tender process.

BBMP’s Special Commissioner for Health, Vikas Surlakar, has proposed to the Chief Commissioner to relax the tender rules. If the relaxation is approved, the BBMP will call for tenders again and complete the construction of Indira Canteens within the next two years. The construction work of 52 Indira Canteens was supposed to be completed this year and the ambitious project of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has faced a setback.