The Coimbatore Corporation Contractors’ Welfare Association has lodged a complaint with the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), alleging restrictive tender conditions in Corporation works.
The Association president Udayakumar and secretary Chandraprakash alleged that the tender for setting up virtual laboratories (AR/VR labs) in Corporation-run high and higher secondary schools, scheduled to be opened on August 19, contained restrictive eligibility and prior-experience conditions. The work has been divided into 11 packages.
They alleged that the conditions favoured a few companies. For the ₹90-lakh work, the tender required prior experience equivalent to 40% of the value, while experience in works worth around ₹10 crore was allegedly being sought.
The association sought transparent and competitive tendering and action against officials responsible for reportedly fixing tenders.
The association alleged that Class V contractors were allowed to bid for works worth up to ₹50 lakh, but the Corporation required them to submit additional technical documents even for smaller ₹10-lakh works. This, it said, put newly registered contractors at a disadvantage, as they could be rejected for not having previous experience.
It urged the Corporation to introduce the two-cover system only for works above ₹2 crore, as followed by the Public Works and Highways Departments. It also sought allowing Corporation-registered contractors to participate in maintenance and supply tenders according to their eligibility and extending the prior-experience period from five to 10 years.
It said the Highways and Public Works departments also invited tenders below ₹2 crore without the two-cover system and urged the Corporation to follow the same practice.
Published – August 16, 2026 07:33 pm IST
