How was ₹800-cr scam undertaken by Tata firm & India’s largest container port’s ex-staff?
In a shocking revelation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has uncovered a massive scam involving Tata Consulting Engineers and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), India’s largest container port. The scam, estimated to be worth ₹800 crore, was perpetrated by former staff of the two organizations. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of the scam and how it was undertaken.
The scam was related to the dredging project at JNPT, which was undertaken by Tata Consulting Engineers in collaboration with its contractors. The project aimed to deepen the draft of the port to accommodate larger vessels. However, the officials involved in the project chose to opt for a deeper 15-metre vessel draft instead of the approved 14-metre draft, causing a loss of ₹1,163 crore.
Moreover, the officials opted for a single rate for dredging different types of rocks, ignoring the fact that different types of rocks have varying hardness and require different dredging methods. This decision resulted in an additional loss of ₹557 crore.
To add to the list of irregularities, the contractors involved in the project undertook dredging for an excess width, causing a loss of ₹964 crore. This act of malafide was done to increase the project’s scope and thereby generate more revenue.
The cumulative loss caused by these irregularities is staggering, amounting to ₹4,420 crore. The CBI has issued summons to the officials involved in the scam, and the case is currently under investigation.
The scam is a stark reminder of the need for strict adherence to quality control and project management standards in public-private partnerships. The involvement of former staff of Tata Consulting Engineers and JNPT in the scam raises questions about the integrity of the officials and the internal controls in place.
The JNPT dredging project was aimed at increasing the port’s capacity and efficiency. However, the scam has not only caused financial losses but has also compromised the integrity of the project. The CBI’s investigation is expected to uncover more details about the scam and hold those responsible accountable.
The Tata Consulting Engineers and JNPT have been involved in several projects over the years, and this scam is a black mark on their reputation. The companies need to take immediate action to rectify the situation and ensure that such irregularities do not occur in the future.
In conclusion, the ₹800-crore scam involving Tata Consulting Engineers and JNPT is a shocking example of how malafide intentions can cause significant financial losses. The scam highlights the need for strict internal controls and quality standards in public-private partnerships. The CBI’s investigation is expected to bring those responsible to book and ensure that justice is served.
