Centre asks bidders to submit fresh samples of bulletproof jackets

New Delhi, Jan 11 (ANI): The Union Home Ministry on Monday decided to ask the bidders to submit fresh samples of bullet proof jackets.

Earlier the Ministry floated a tender procure 59,000 bulletproof jackets for Central Para Military Forces.

The Ministry has also constituted two separate committees - Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) headed by Director General of Bureau of Police Reforms and Development (BPR and D) and a Tender Advisory Committee (TAC) under the chairmanship of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director General.

The TEC will be chaired by R K Sharma, Joint Director Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

In a statement issue here the Home Ministry stated: "The samples submitted by the qualified bidders were tested in the Terminal Ballistic Research Laboratory (TBRL). Ballistic tests were conducted under the supervision R.K. Verma. The TEC submitted its report on the tests to the TAC."

When the matter was under consideration of the TAC, several complaints were received from different sources, the ministry said.

Earlier, a section of the media raised questions over the trials conducted to tests the quality of bullet-proof jackets.

"A CD purportedly containing conversations between Verma and one of the bidders was also received. After a preliminary consideration of the complaints and the CD, Home Minister directed on December 23, 2009 that the tender process shall be stayed and that the price bids shall not be opened until further orders," the ministry said.

The complaints and the CD have been examined carefully by the DG, BPR and D. He has reported that Verma has admitted that it was his voice on the CD the ministry said in its statement.

"The report of the DG, BPR and D has been considered by the TAC and the TAC has made its recommendations to the Ministry of Home Affairs. After considering the aforesaid report and the recommendations," the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry has decided that the test reports submitted by TBRL be scrapped and the bidders may be requested to submit fresh samples which shall be tested afresh.

It also decided that the facts of the case may be reported to DRDO to ominate one or more Scientists and Technologists of integrity to conduct the tests on the fresh samples and the DRDO may be requested to take suitable disciplinary action against Verma after holding an enquiry according to law.

The TEC and TAC may be advised to maintain strict vigilance and ensure scrupulous adherence to the terms and conditions of the tender, the Home Ministry said. (ANI)