How was ₹800-cr scam undertaken by Tata firm & India’s largest container port’s ex-staff?
In a shocking revelation, a scam worth ₹800 crore has been unearthed at India’s largest container port, Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), with the involvement of former staff of Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE). The scam, which has caused a cumulative loss of over ₹4200 crore, is a stark reminder of the importance of integrity and transparency in business dealings.
As per a report by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the officials involved in the scam chose a deeper 15-metre vessel draft instead of the recommended 14-metre, causing a loss of ₹1,163 crore. Furthermore, they opted for a single rate for dredging of different rock types, resulting in a loss of ₹557 crore. To add insult to injury, the contractors undertook dredging for an excess width, leading to a loss of ₹964 crore.
The JNPT dredging project, which was initiated in 2014, was aimed at deepening the port’s channels to accommodate larger vessels and increase its cargo handling capacity. TCE, a reputed engineering and consulting firm, was responsible for overseeing the project.
The scam was uncovered by the CBI, which is investigating the case. The agency has summoned several officials, including those from TCE and JNPT, for questioning. The CBI has also seized several documents and records related to the project, which are being scrutinized to unravel the extent of the scam.
The CBI’s findings are a result of a thorough investigation that began in 2019. The agency had received a complaint from the Ministry of Shipping, which raised concerns about the project’s finances and the irregularities that had been reported.
The investigation revealed that the officials involved in the project had deliberately manipulated the project’s scope, leading to the excess dredging and subsequent losses. The CBI also found that the contractors had been paid for work that was not done, and that there was a lack of transparency in the project’s financial dealings.
The CBI’s findings have raised serious questions about the accountability of the officials involved in the project. The agency has charged several officials with criminal conspiracy, cheating, and corruption, and the case is now being heard in a special court.
The JNPT dredging project is a significant example of how corruption can lead to financial losses of staggering proportions. The project’s cumulative loss of over ₹4200 crore is a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring that public projects are executed with transparency and integrity.
In conclusion, the ₹800-crore scam at JNPT is a shocking example of the kind of corruption that can occur when officials and contractors collude to manipulate public projects. The CBI’s investigation and the subsequent charges filed against the officials involved are a welcome step towards ensuring accountability and transparency in public projects. As the case unfolds, it is essential that the authorities take concrete steps to prevent such scams from happening in the future.
