Tipra Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma on Tuesday expressed concern over a reported Tripura government order restricting contractors registered under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) from participating in certain Public Works Department (PWD) tender processes. A delegation led by Debbarma met PWD Chief Engineer Rajib Majumder to discuss the matter. The delegation included Tipra Motha MLAs Philip Kumar Reang and Pathan Lal Jamatia, along with Members of District Councils Suraj Debbarma, Jiten Debbarma and James Debbarma. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Ranjit Debbarma said contractors holding licences issued by the TTAADC had recently been directed not to take part in tenders related to PWD Roads and Bridges and National Highway projects under the Tripura government.
“We came here to meet the PWD Chief Engineer because some contractors who obtained licences from the TTAADC were reportedly told not to participate in tender processes floated by the Tripura government,” he said. Debbarma questioned the reason behind the reported restriction and said both tribal and non-tribal communities are part of the state’s development process. “Not only Bengalis but also tribals live in this state. Suddenly, a decision has been taken that contractors from TTAADC cannot participate in certain tender processes,” he said. According to him, the restriction currently applies only to projects under PWD Roads and Bridges and National Highways, while contractors are still allowed to participate in tender processes under other departments. The delegation submitted a memorandum along with supporting documents to the Chief Engineer seeking clarification on the issue.
“He told us that the order came from higher authorities and assured us that our memorandum would be forwarded to them,” Debbarma said. The MLA also stated that the delegation plans to meet the PWD Secretary and raise the issue with Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha. “We will meet the PWD Secretary tomorrow and also inform the Chief Minister about the matter. Earlier, there was no such restriction,” he said. Debbarma further referred to neighbouring Assam and said that in districts such as Dima Hasao, contractors holding valid licences are allowed to participate in tender processes without such limitations.
