FCI not to go ahead with tenders for transport of foodgrains

Justice A Rajasekhara Reddy of the High Court at Hyderabad on Thursday took on record the statement of the Food Corporation of India to not proceed with its tenders for transportation of foodgrains to Maldives.

The judge was dealing with a petition filed by SARR Freights Corporation, contending that it was against principles of natural justice to issue a fresh tender notice incorporating a criterion for minimum eligibility. The petitioner contended that the earlier tender notice did not contain any such criterion.

The counsel for the FCI pointed out that it would not extend the last date for submission of the tender and that it was willing to modify the tender terms to broad-base and accommodate others as well. The petitioner pointed out that a specific condition was prescribed requiring experience in transportation of foodgrains to suite a single party. This, the petitioner complained, defeated the very idea of tenders and competitive pricing.