GIDC bought survey instruments for Rs 1.5 crore without checks: CAG
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has observed irregularities in the purchase of drones and other instruments by Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) for Rs 1.5 crore, noting that the process lacked any quality assurance.
The CAG said that a loss of GST input credit amounting to Rs 20.4 lakh has been incurred by GIDC in the purchase.
The CAG stated that GIDC entered into an MoU with the directorate of settlement and land records (DSLR) to survey and map all its industrial plots/lands, using 20 field surveyors from the DSLR. The equipment was procured by GIDC.
The instruments had to be handed over to the DSLR by GIDC, in lieu of payment.
An estimate of Rs 1.5 crore was approved in March 2023 for the purchase of the instruments, and a tender notice was published in April 2023 inviting bids.
LI (ACE) was issued the work order for the supply of instruments for Rs 1.2 crore plus GST. The instruments and the drone were delivered. Thereafter, GIDC transferred the instruments to DSLR in Aug 2023.
But the CAG said, 'GIDC did not insist on requirements of the vendor's capabilities.'
In fact, the CAG said, GIDC did not have records to show the make, brand, and manufacturer's name as the supply was made by a vendor without detailing batch number, year of manufacture/import, and technical specifications.
'The possibility of faulty, defective, refurbished, repaired, and used products…could not be ruled out due to the lack of basic documentation and quality checks,' the CAG said.
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