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The Maharashtra government finds itself in the midst of a legal battle over the transparent nature of the tender process for the Dharavi slum redevelopment project. In response to a petition filed by Seclink Technologies Corporation, a UAE-based company, challenging the award of the project to Adani Properties Private Ltd., the government has submitted an affidavit asserting that the process was fair and devoid of any undue favouritism.
The controversy revolves around the 2022 tender issued for the Dharavi slum redevelopment project in Mumbai. The government's affidavit counters claims made by Seclink Technologies Corporation, which alleged political motivations behind the cancellation of the previous tender. The government categorically denies these allegations and seeks the dismissal of the petition on these grounds.
The affidavit, filed by the deputy secretary of the state housing department, argues that the cancellation of the old tender was carried out in accordance with proper procedures. Furthermore, it refutes the notion that the new tender was designed to benefit Adani Group, the highest bidder. The government maintains that the new tender process was conducted transparently and attracted a greater number of bidders compared to the previous round.
The affidavit goes on to criticize the petitioner's allegations, deeming them "far-fetched and implausible." The government underscores the significance of the Dharavi redevelopment project, emphasizing its role in improving the lives of thousands of residents living in substandard conditions. It asserts that any attempts to hinder the project's progress should be thwarted, as such delays would hinder the execution of this vital public initiative.
Notably, Adani Group emerged as the highest bidder, securing the Dharavi Redevelopment Project with a bid of Rs 5,069 crore in the 2022 tender process. This outcome, however, prompted a legal challenge from Seclink Technologies Corporation, which had been the highest bidder in the initial 2018 tender with a bid of Rs 7,200 crore.
The government's decision to cancel the 2018 tender and issue a fresh one in 2022 with additional conditions was met with resistance from Seclink Technologies Corporation, leading to the legal battle. The government, in an earlier affidavit filed in February, had cited various factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical events, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, as reasons for the changes in the tender process.
In its affidavit, the government highlights that the new tender addresses concerns of inclusivity by factoring in the rehabilitation and rehousing of non-eligible individuals, encompassing around 7 lakh people. This is in contrast to the old tender, where non-eligible slum residents could have sought assistance from the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. The government asserts that the new tender incorporates provisions for accommodating non-eligible slum residents, making the redevelopment process more comprehensive.
The affidavit also argues that the authority's discretion in shaping tender conditions cannot be questioned by the petitioner. The government maintains that the new tender was issued with revised terms and conditions in a bona fide manner, with the approval of the Committee of Secretaries and the Cabinet.
The government further asserts that the new tender was open to all, emphasizing that interested parties were required to submit fresh bids in accordance with the terms and conditions of the revised tender. This response seeks to dispel any notions of bias or favouritism towards Adani Group, underscoring the importance of a fair and transparent tender process.
As a legal battle unfolds in the Bombay High Court, the fate of the Dharavi slum redevelopment project hangs in the balance. The government's affidavit strives to reassure that the new tender was conceived with integrity, catering to the well-being of marginalized residents and aiming for a comprehensive transformation of the Dharavi landscape.
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