Chennithala Accuses Corruption in Solar Pump Tender

Rapid Summary:

• ramesh Chennithala, Congress Working Committee member, has demanded an investigation into alleged irregularities in a ₹240 crore tender under the PM Kusum scheme for installing solar pumps.
• He alleged that the CEO of Anert (agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology) issued this high-value tender despite being allowed to authorize projects only up to ₹5 crore without written government approval.
• A private company that submitted a flawed tender was reportedly permitted to make corrections after submission, and subsequently received the work order.
• Contracts were allegedly awarded at rates exceeding double the benchmark amount set by the Union government, creating an estimated escalation of ₹100 crore in total project cost. Differences in installation costs across projects reportedly range from ₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakh per unit.
• Chennithala claimed grading mechanisms designed to ensure error-free implementation were disregarded, and contracts were awarded to companies failing qualification standards.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The allegations surrounding irregularities in tenders under the PM Kusum scheme raise serious questions about clarity and adherence to procedural norms. Granting permissions beyond set limits without prior governmental approval could indicate administrative lapses or oversight issues needing immediate attention.The price escalation compared with benchmark costs suggests potential inefficiencies or mismanagement that may impact public funds significantly.

Additionally, permitting corrections post-tender submission undermines fair competition principles central to any bidding process. if proven true, awarding contracts inconsistently with qualification criteria can erode trust not only in specific schemes but also broader renewable energy initiatives critical for India’s sustainable progress goals. Investigations would help establish accountability while ensuring such concerns are addressed moving forward.Read More: Published – July 09,2025 08:27 pm IST