KDCC reacts to NGRC-1CU statement

Kohima, December 5 (MExN): The Kohima District Congress Committee (KDCC) said it was “dumbfounded” to come across Nagaland Government Registered Class-1 Contractors Union (NGRC-1CU) appealing the state government to issue a directive to disqualify any contractor who quotes below the SOR during the tender process.


A press statement from KDCC President, Kevi Vizo on December 3 last, said it regarded members of NGRC-1CU as seasoned and high level contractors in the State, who are capable of filing tenders much beyond the SOR. It opined that they should also consider the apathy of young contractors and others who are willing to give service below the SOR, which will ultimately save the public fund meant for developmental works.


“As a concerned political party,” it said that considering the welfare of the upcoming young Nagas venturing into contract and entrepreneurship, KDCC has been fighting against the State Government departments notifying that tenders quoted below the Schedule of Rates (SOR) will not be acceptable.


This led to the recent cancellation of e-Procurement Notice Invitation for Bids (IFB) issued by Urban Development Department.


KDCC affirmed that it will continue to take the issue and leave no stone unturned “even if any such measures are adopted by any government departments.”


It further appealed NGRC-1CU to reconsider the issue for that the future of young Naga entrepreneurs.

 

NPCC functionaries in solidarity with KDCC

Meanwhile, the NPCC, 11 Northern Angami-II A/C and 8 Western Angami A/C today extended solidarity with KDCC for taking up issues for the welfare of the younger and marginal contractors in the state. 


The NPCC functionaries pledged support “as a political party and as concerned Naga citizens,” in a press release appended by Zachariah, NPCC member, 11th Northern Angami-II A/C and Selie Chase, NPCC member, 8th Western Angami A/C.


“We are surprised” as to how the members of NGRC-1CU came up with the idea of issuing a directive to disqualify any contractor who quotes below the SOR during the tender process, the release said.


The Class-I contractors are “well aware of the contract norms for open tender” and also that “quoting below SOR is only beneficial to the department as it saves the state exchequer through which more developmental activities can be taken up,” it held.


While NGRC-1CU “apparently was considering their own welfare,” it held that KDCC, though a political party was “thinking for the welfare of the contractors in general.” It further appealed to the NGRC-1CU to consider the welfare of other smaller contractors.