Hyderabad: BRS MLC Dr. Dasoju Sravan Kumar accused the Telangana government of turning education tenders into a “centralized corruption model” and alleged that the new procurement system was hurting MSMEs, handloom workers and local businesses.
Addressing the media, he said residential welfare institutions earlier floated separate tenders under district collectors to meet local requirements. According to him, the earlier system supported Padmashali weaving families, tailors, steel industries and small entrepreneurs across Telangana.
However, he alleged that the Congress government replaced the decentralised model with a centralised procurement system after coming to power. He claimed the government introduced the new process without consulting stakeholders or opposition parties.
Sravan Kumar alleged that the government created a Project Monitoring Unit through GO Ms No.17/202 to control procurement worth thousands of crores. He further claimed that the Chief Minister’s Office was influencing the entire tender process.
He also alleged that the government appointed non-cadre officials to sensitive positions to prevent scrutiny of irregularities. Moreover, he claimed the tender conditions excluded local businesses by imposing high turnover and solvency requirements.
Education tenders spark handloom concerns
Sravan Kumar said suppliers of uniform material must show an annual turnover of ₹250 crore, while notebook suppliers must show ₹150 crore turnover. In addition, bidders must submit solvency certificates ranging from ₹2 crore to ₹4 crore.
He alleged that the government did not specify base prices for several items. Furthermore, he questioned how companies could quote prices for trolley bags, PT dresses and blankets without design specifications.
The BRS leader also accused the government of violating GO Ms No.1 of 2024, which directed departments to procure cloth-related products through Telangana State Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society Limited.
He referred to a High Court case involving a handloom cooperative society from Warangal. According to him, the court ruled that the government could not ignore its own procurement policy while floating centralised education tenders.
Sravan Kumar alleged that the government ignored TESCO despite its willingness to supply materials at lower prices. He warned that BRS would approach vigilance agencies and courts if the government failed to cancel the tenders and order an inquiry.
