Hyderabad: YTPS tender allegations have emerged over a proposed Rs. 279 crore contract for coal and ash plant operations. GENCO has reportedly selected Powermech as the lowest bidder for a three-year contract.
GENCO had invited tenders to outsource management of the coal and ash handling plants at Yadadri Thermal Power Station. Three companies submitted bids after the tender notification was issued.
Powermech emerged as the L1 bidder, and GENCO officials reportedly held discussions with the company. Sources said the tender process was finalised at Rs. 279 crore for three years.
However, allegations of a Rs. 72 crore difference have emerged over the tender estimates. The concerns relate to changes in the estimated contract value at different stages of the tender process.
Earlier, GENCO had outsourced the coal and ash handling plants for six months at Rs. 34.50 crore. Based on that figure, officials initially estimated a three-year contract at about Rs. 207 crore.
Later, the proposal reached the power house with an increased estimate of Rs. 255 crore. Powermech subsequently quoted Rs. 281.77 crore, which was 10.5% higher than the estimate.
After negotiations with GENCO officials, the contract was reportedly finalised at Rs. 279 crore. This amount is Rs. 72 crore above the original three-year estimate and Rs. 24 crore above the later GENCO estimate.
The sharp increase in estimates has prompted questions among employees and union leaders. They are seeking an explanation for the successive changes in the projected tender value.
The YTPS tender allegations have also focused on the number of outsourced personnel included in the tender. YTPS reportedly requires 1,650 personnel for operating the coal and ash handling plants.
However, the tender was issued for 1,913 outsourced personnel. This is 263 more personnel than the stated requirement, raising further questions about the tender’s staffing calculations.
YTPS is also not yet fully operational, according to the source. Several works remain pending, while commercial operations have not started in the fifth unit.
BHEL, the EPC contractor, has also not yet handed over the plant to GENCO. Against this backdrop, employees have questioned the reported move to finalise the outsourcing contract.
YTPS tender allegations over staffing and outsourcing
Of the 1,650 personnel required for coal and ash handling, only 1,254 staff are currently available. The reported shortage includes 74 positions in engineering and 322 positions in operations and maintenance.
Employees have suggested that the shortage could be addressed internally. According to them, AEs and ADEs from other plants could be transferred, while eligible AEs could receive promotions.
The coal and ash handling plants at Bhadradri Thermal Power Station in Manuguru are being operated differently. GENCO engineers, departmental employees and outsourcing agency personnel are involved there.
Similarly, coal and ash plants at NTPC are monitored by engineers. Only the physical movement of coal and ash has been outsourced, according to the source.
Therefore, questions are being raised about the need to outsource all activities at YTPS. Employee unions have particularly questioned the proposed outsourcing of engineering-related responsibilities.
The unions have demanded a reconsideration of the decision to hand over key YTPS activities to a private company. They also want an inquiry into the staffing requirement and the increase in tender estimates.
Meanwhile, JAC leaders have warned of a lightning strike if the tender is finalised at the higher amount. They have called for clarification before the outsourcing process proceeds.
The YTPS tender allegations therefore centre on the contract value, staffing requirement and scope of outsourcing. Employee unions are seeking greater scrutiny of the proposed three-year arrangement.