Hyderabad: Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka of the Telangana high court has directed the Telangana School Education department to conduct a detailed inquiry into allegations of irregularities in the procurement of bunker beds for Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) across the state, while disposing of a writ petition filed by former MLA Peddi Sudershan Reddy.The court, while disposing of the petition recently, held that the petitioner’s grievance regarding non-consideration of his complaint had been substantially addressed and directed the department to complete a detailed enquiry within a reasonable period.The petitioner, who also served as the Chairman of the Telangana State Civil Supplies Corporation from 2014 to 2017 during the previous regime, alleged that contracts for supply and installation of 45,360 bunker beds with mattresses and pillows were awarded in violation of tender conditions and caused heavy loss to the public exchequer.He claimed the original contracts lapsed after the 120-day completion period and were later revived through supplementary agreements without inviting fresh tenders. He also alleged that the beds were being supplied at prices exceeding 33,000 per unit despite similar products earlier being procured at around 15,300 per unit.The Vigilance Commission informed the court that it had already forwarded the complaint to the School Education department on January 13 for enquiry and necessary action. On the other hand, the state authorities and contractors denied any wrongdoing, stating the tender process was transparent and delays occurred due to approval of colour codes and other administrative requirements.
