Awungshi Philip Soso of Khamasom Phungdhar Village, Ukhrul District, Manipur in a rejoinder stated that “apropos to the Rural Post news item dated 24 June 2026, one Mr. LW Mataisang, Headman of Lunghar Village, a sub-contractor of “Bhartia Infra Projects Ltd.” requesting the Hon’ble CM of Manipur to intervene from repeated court cases and RTI queries as may hinder the progress of the work, appears to overlook the distinction between legal proceedings concerning the tender process and legitimate requests for information under the Right to Information Act without an iota of any knowledge in work procurement, award and execution. The court cases filled by the technically non-responsive bidders challenging for intentional disqualified by the DC/ED, DRDA Ukhrul (TIA) and favouring the single bider “Bhartia Infra Projects Ltd.” has a different subject matter.
“Whereas, my RTI filed in the spirit of public accountability and transparency in procurement processes. Had the TIA procured the work in transparent manner without major deviation in the tender, what are the difficulties in replying to the queries? Instead of furnishing the information why hiring a third party agent who had no knowledge about your manipulation in the awarding of work to plead for your cover-up in the public domain.
“RTI is not intended to hinder project progress but to ensure the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability in the utilisation of public funds. The RTI applicant is intended solely to obtain official information in the public interest and should not be misconstrued as an attempt to delay the execution of the project.
“The justification and clarity requisite/sought from TIA as financial bid revealed startling deviations and Sparks Transparency Concerns. it is also pertinent to highlight on the mis-procurement of work by the TIA on the tender “Construction of Shirui Heritage Village and Bakshi Ground at Ukhrul District, Manipur” under part 1 of the Special Assistance to State for Capital Investment (SASCI), FY 2025-26 in respect of Ukhrul District in collusion with the contractor and sub-contractors.
“The project work was sub-divided into two major components and subsidiary sub-heads as:
(A) Shirui Hill & Bakshi Ground 27 Nos. (Sub-Heads/Components)
(B) Phangrei & Jorcheng 11 Nos. (Sub-Heads/Components).
“The awarded work reveals significant deviations in the Bill of Quantities (BOQ) compared to the estimated project cost of ₹59.03 Crores. These deviations resulted in a Reserved Overall Savings of ₹17.93 Crores (30.37%) prior to bidding, effectively granting a cost advantage to the contractor
Key discrepancies include:
1. Vendor Haat @ 6 Nos.
Deviation in Quantity (%) = (-) 500%
Deviation in Rate (% in Avg.) = (-) 81.90%
2. Single Cottages @ 14 Nos.
Deviation in Quantity (%) = (-) 1300%
Deviation in Rate (% in Avg.) = (-) 90.29%
3. Twin Cottages @ 4 Nos.
Deviation in Quantity (%) = (-) 300%
Deviation in Rate (% in Avg.) = (-) 65.49%
4. Gazebos @ 2 Nos.
Deviation in Quantity (%) = (-) 100
Deviation in Rate (% in Avg.) = (-) 56.96%
5. Bird Watch Tower @3 Nos
Deviation in Quantity (%) =(-) 200%
Deviation in Rate (% in Avg.) = (-) 66.43%
6. Intermediate Resting Shed @ 5 Nos.
Deviation in Quantity (%) = (-) 400%
Deviation in Rate (% in Avg.) = (-) 79.97%
7. Polycarbonate Dome Glamp. Tent @ 10 Nos.
Deviation in Quantity (%) = (-) 900%
Deviation in Rate (% in Avg.) = (-) 89.99%
8. Hiking Track to Phangrei Lake (Doubling the sub-heads)
Deviation in Quantity (%) = (+)100
Deviation in Rate (% in Avg.) = (+) 117.73%
“Who shall born the responsible for this Reserved Overall Savings of 217.93 Crores, manipulated price bid in the award of contract? This is a public fund and it is a huge amount that should not drain in the gutter. I have every detail of financial documents to substantiate my claim. We, the citizen, need transparency, accountability and integrity in every count of developments.
“The Tender Inviting Authority should furnish a clear and reasonable explanation to both the RTI applicant and the general public. A transparent response would help dispel doubts and reinforce public confidence in the procurement process and its award. In the absence of satisfactory clarification, all lawful remedial available under the Constitution and applicable laws may be pursued before the appropriate authorities in the larger public interest.”
AWUNGSHI PHILIP SOSO
Khamasom Phungdhar Village
Ukhrul District, Manipur
E-mail ID: awungshiphilipsoso@gmail.com
