New Delhi: A major controversy has erupted after the Lokpal of India floated a tender for seven high-end BMW 330 Li (Long Wheel Base) vehicles for its members. Each vehicle apparently costs upward of Rs
70 lakh.
The decision to procure such luxury vehicles by the country’s anti-corruption ombudsman has raised eyebrows.
“The Lokpal of India invites open tenders from reputed Agencies for the supply of seven BMW 3 Series Li Cars to the Lokpal of India,” the notice, dated October 16, states.
The start date for bid submission was October 17, while the end date for bid submission is November 6 at 3 pm. The evaluation process is set to begin on November 7.
The cars are to be delivered preferably within two weeks, and no later than 30 days from the date of the supply order. “No extension of time will be given,” the notice has said.
The Lokpal also requires the selected vendor or firm to conduct a “comprehensive practical and theoretical training programme for the drivers and other designated staff members” of the anti-corruption ombudsman.
It also requires that the training be conducted for a minimum of seven days and completed within 15 days from the date of delivery of the cars.
“The training programme shall comprise both classroom sessions and on-road practical sessions,” the notice reads.
The entire cost of organising and conducting the training programme, including trainer honorarium, travel, accommodation (if required), fuel, materials, and logistics, should be “borne exclusively by the vendor”, the Lokpal has said.
There was outrage on social media after the document was noticed and shared. Activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan, slammed the anti-corruption body, calling the members service.
“The institution of Lokpal has been ground to dust by the Modi govt, by keeping it vacant for many years and then appointing servile members who are not bothered by graft & are happy with their luxuries. They are now buying 70L BMW cars for themselves,” Bhushan posted on X.
Even the Congress latched on to the issue with party spokesperson Shama Mohamed hitting out with: “Lokpal wants to buy 7 luxury BMW cars worth ₹5 crore for itself. This is the same institution that was supposed to fight corruption after the so-called ‘India Against Corruption’ movement – a movement backed by the RSS and designed only to bring down the Congress government.”