How was ₹800-cr scam undertaken by Tata firm & India’s largest container port’s ex-staff?
The recent expose of an ₹800-crore scam by former staff of Tata Consulting Engineers and India’s largest container port, Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), has sent shockwaves throughout the country. The scam, which involves massive losses to the tune of ₹4,200 crores, has raised questions about the level of corruption and negligence that pervades the country’s infrastructure development projects.
According to reports, the scam was perpetrated by a team of former staff of Tata Consulting Engineers and JNPT who were responsible for the dredging project at the port. The project, which was supposed to deepen the port’s draft to accommodate larger vessels, was allegedly carried out in a manner that caused massive losses to the tune of ₹4,200 crores.
The scam involved several irregularities, including choosing a deeper 15-metre vessel draft instead of the recommended 14-metre draft, which caused a loss of ₹1,163 crores. The officials also opted for a single rate for dredging of different rock types, causing a loss of ₹557 crores. To make matters worse, the contractors undertook dredging for excess width, causing a loss of ₹964 crores.
The CBI has taken cognizance of the scam and has issued summons to the accused officials. An investigation is underway to determine the extent of the scam and to identify those responsible for the losses.
The scam has raised several questions about the level of corruption and negligence that pervades the country’s infrastructure development projects. It is clear that the officials responsible for the project were more interested in lining their pockets than in ensuring the success of the project.
The scam also highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the country’s infrastructure development projects. It is imperative that the government and regulatory bodies take steps to ensure that such scams are prevented in the future.
In conclusion, the ₹800-crore scam by former staff of Tata Consulting Engineers and JNPT is a stark reminder of the level of corruption and negligence that pervades the country’s infrastructure development projects. It is imperative that the government and regulatory bodies take steps to ensure that such scams are prevented in the future and that those responsible for the losses are held accountable.
