Gym equipment ‘scam’ rocks Cuttack Municipal Corporation; allegations of corruption surface

A major controversy has erupted over the procurement of gym equipment in the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), with allegations of massive corruption surfacing against officials. The role of the City Engineer and former CMC Commissioner has now come under scanner.

Reports suggest that the CMC City Engineer allegedly bypassed all government procurement norms to issue a work order worth Rs 5 crore for purchasing gym equipment. This alleged financial misconduct has drawn severe criticism from opposition corporators, who are demanding a high-level inquiry into the matter.

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Violation of Government Procurement Norms

According to official records, on February 16 last year, a work order was issued to a private company based outside Odisha for supplying gym equipment worth Rs 5 crore. These items were meant for open-air gyms in Five-T Schools and play areas for children under CMC’s jurisdiction. However, there is no clarity on when or where the equipment was delivered and utilized, raising suspicions of financial misappropriation.

The opposition has pointed out that gym equipment procured in 2022 remains unused at the Bikas Bhawan premises, questioning why another procurement of such a huge amount was approved. They allege that either the equipment never arrived, or false bills were generated to siphon off public funds.

Suspicion Over City Engineer and Former Commissioner’s Role

Documents reveal that CMC City Engineer Atanu Samanta played a key role in the procurement process, allegedly misusing his authority to issue the work order. The letter states that the procurement was made following instructions from the then CMC Commissioner, but critics argue that the entire process violated government-mandated financial regulations.

As per the Urban Development Department’s procurement guidelines:

1. The CMC Commissioner can approve purchases up to Rs 1 crore.
2. The Standing Committee can approve over Rs 1 crore.
3. The Council or Corporation can approve over Rs 2 crore.
4. The Urban Development Department has the final authority for purchases exceeding Rs 4 crore.

Given these rules, it remains unclear on what basis the City Engineer directly approved a Rs 5 crore purchase order. The matter has raised serious doubts about the role of the then-commissioner in sanctioning the procurement.

Lack of Tender Process Raises More Questions:

Opposition corporators have also flagged the fact that no formal tendering process was conducted before awarding the work order. They question how a specific private firm was selected without an open bidding process, indicating a possible conflict of interest and favoritism.

Official Reactions and Demands for Investigation

When questioned, CMC Commissioner Anam Charan Patra distanced himself from the controversy, stating that this procurement did not happen during my tenure. An investigation will reveal how the work order was issued.

“Corporators usually give requirements for gym equipment. A letter was issued and the entire work was done during the period of the previous Commissioner and previous government,” said Patra.

Similarly, CMC Mayor Subash Singh assured that strict action would be taken if any rule violations were found, stating,

“No one is above the law. If this was done without Council approval, an inquiry will be conducted, and responsible officials will face action.”

Meanwhile, opposition corporators, led by Ward 26 Corporator Gagan Ojha, are demanding a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind this financial mismanagement.

Gagan Ojha, Corporator Ward No. 26 said, “We do not know when these equipment were procured and they have been installed. We want a detailed investigation as it is a matter of Rs 5 crore. Everybody needs to know where these equipment have been used.”

Questions on Former Commissioner and Current District Collector’s Role:

The controversy has also cast doubts on the role of former CMC Commissioner and current District Collector, Siddharth Shankar Swain, in sanctioning the procurement. With allegations of financial fraud mounting, it remains to be seen whether this scam will be properly investigated or, like many other corruption cases, be buried under bureaucratic pressure.

Citizens and opposition leaders are now waiting for the government’s next course of action.