Jammu, 30/Apr/2020: Seeking a complete ban on all government tenders for non-essential items, services and constructions during lock down period, RTI Activist Raman Sharma have requested the Jammu and Kashmir union territory government and Finance Commissioner, department of finance to issue a formal order in this regard.
Sharma in his plea said inviting government tenders for non-essential items and services during lock down period is in violation of article 16 of the constitution of India that calls for equal opportunity in matters of public employment.
He said during lockdown period due to ongoing global pandemic there are restrictions on the movement of people and it is not feasible for all potential contenders to participate in the tendering process, therefore it is in the best interest of justice that all government tenders that fall out of the purview of ‘essential Items & Services’ must be kept in abeyance and all those tenders already invited and finalized by different departments during lock down period must be cancelled without any delay so that after lock down, fresh tenders are issued ensuring larger transparency and fair play.
Raman further informed that he has also sent formal request via email(s) to J & K Raj Bhavan and Finance Department in this regard so that no officer or department taking advantage of the present situation of lockd own favors any one and deprived other deserving ones in the tendering process.
