A shocking revelation has emerged during an investigation into ongoing development schemes in Bihar. The investigation found that several schemes, whose construction work had already been completed, were re-tendered. Such cases have been categorised as 'duplicate projects'.
The investigation has uncovered a total of 105 such duplicate projects, of which 32 schemes have been cancelled with immediate effect. This action has prevented a potential scam of approximately Rs 250 crore.
Under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Urban Development Scheme (Mukhyamantri Samagra Shahari Vikas Yojana), a large number of construction projects were sanctioned in all 38 districts of Bihar. A total of 4,787 projects were selected in North and South Bihar. However, even before the construction work began, the investigation revealed an irregularity where the process of re-selecting projects and allocating funds was initiated for works that had already been completed in several locations.
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According to investigating agencies, a duplicate project refers to a scenario where a scheme is created, and a tender is reissued for construction work that has already been completed. Had this not been identified in time, it could have caused a significant loss to the state exchequer. Initial estimates indicate that if these projects had proceeded, a scam of around Rs 250 crore could have occurred.
Several such cases have also come to light in the Patna district. In some areas of the capital, construction work related to roads, drains, PCC paths, and other urban amenities had already been completed. Despite this, new tenders were issued for the same roads and structures.
In one instance, the construction of a road on Patna's Bypass Road was completed in June, but just three months later, the same road was included in the urban scheme again, and a tender was issued. This tender was cancelled following the investigation.
It is being reported that the duplicate projects are not limited to Patna alone. Besides the capital region, such cases have been reported in several districts, including Aurangabad, Gaya, Munger, Nalanda, Nawada, Buxar, Katihar, Purnia, and Siwan. Around 15 projects in the capital zone came under scrutiny, many of which have been cancelled.
The role of the Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (BUIDCo) is also under investigation in this entire matter. The responsibility for construction works under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Urban Development Scheme was assigned to BUIDCo.
Before the tendering process, BUIDCo was supposed to conduct a physical inspection of all projects, but a large number of irregularities emerged during this very process. Later, on the instructions of the BUIDCo MD, the scope of the investigation was expanded, after which more than 105 duplicate projects were identified.
During the investigation, it also emerged that previously, most tenders were issued at high rates. Now, under the new system, tenders are being issued based on the Bill of Rates (BOR), which has brought transparency to costing. Officials state that this change will largely prevent such irregularities in the future.
According to government sources, the 32 projects that have been cancelled were mostly in their initial stages. A thorough investigation of the remaining projects is ongoing. For the schemes where irregularities are found, not only will the tenders be cancelled, but action will also be taken against the concerned engineers and officials.
The process of fixing accountability at the departmental level has been initiated. Meanwhile, the opposition has targeted the government over this issue. Opposition leaders say that had the investigation not been conducted in time, this could have become a major scam. The government, on the other hand, claims that this entire action was taken to ensure transparency and accountability.
According to sources in the Chief Minister's Office, all schemes will continue to be reviewed in a phased manner to prevent any irregularities in development works. Currently, following this revelation, the monitoring of urban development schemes has been tightened across Bihar, including in Patna.
The government has stated that misuse of public money will not be tolerated under any circumstances, and strict action against the culprits is certain.