BMC launches probe into ₹20 lakh quotation-based purchases in Garden Section

The Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated a probe into purchases worth over ₹20 lakh made through quotations instead of tenders in its Garden Section. The records, largely linked to preparations for the Global Investor Summit (GIS) 2025, cover procurements of carpet grass, plants, pots, fertilizers, soil, and tree guards.

Officials maintain that procedures were followed, but scrutiny has revealed that a significant portion of the work orders were awarded to a firm reportedly connected to a former corporation employee named Bhagwati, raising concerns about transparency.

The issue surfaced during last month’s municipal council meeting, where councillors from both the BJP and Congress alleged irregularities and termed the works a “scam.” They questioned why jobs exceeding ₹1 lakh were not tendered, as per standard procedure.

Following the uproar, Corporation Chairman Kishan Suryavanshi ordered a formal investigation. Files are now under review by a team of officials, including senior engineers.

Executive Engineer Pramod Malviya defended the process, citing urgency in executing tasks ahead of the summit. “All files were prepared in compliance with rules,” he said.

The probe report is expected to be tabled at the next council meeting on December 30, or in January if delayed.