The State government has denied any irregularities in acquiring health kits at a cost of ₹75 crore to address the problem of anaemia among construction workers. While BJP member N. Ravi Kumar said though the cost of medicines supplied to about 12.39 lakh women workers would ideally be around ₹953 for each kit in the market, they have been procured at a cost of ₹2,600 each. Seeking an inquiry into the procurement process, he said the whole tender had been split to benefit one company that has supplied the medicines.
During a preventive health care drive conducted during 2023-2024, 17% of the women were found to be anaemic, following which the decision to supply the kits was taken, Labour Minister Santosh Lad said. “The procurement was done through the KTPP Act and the lowest bidder was selected to supply the medicine. Splitting work in the tender process has been happening. A transparent process cannot be questioned. If there are irregularities in the tender process, we will take action,” he said.
Published – March 14, 2025 08:54 pm IST