The Indian Lokpal Office is progressing in its acquisition plans for the luxurious BMW 330 Li (Long Wheel Base) vehicles by issuing a public tender. This move, which commenced on October 16, signifies a significant step in procurement by the anti-corruption watchdog.
The tender process is open for public bidding and aligns with Lokpal’s efforts to streamline its administrative and logistics functions.
According to the notification, Lokpal aims to purchase the BMW 330 Li, valued at over Rs 60 lakh, through an open tender process.
Interested parties are invited to submit their bids, with the evaluation phase slated to commence on November 7.
Sources indicate that the total cost for all seven vehicles is anticipated to surpass Rs 5 crore. Upon delivery, BMW will provide a minimum of seven days of training to Lokpal’s drivers and staff, focusing on a detailed understanding of the vehicles’ systems and proper operation.
This tender forms part of a procurement strategy to ensure that the acquired vehicles meet Lokpal’s operational and administrative requirements.
Criticism has emerged regarding the tender, with political figures questioning the necessity for the anti-corruption unit to select luxury cars. Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit advocated for domestically manufactured vehicles in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push for indigenous products, expressing concerns over Lokpal’s effectiveness and expenditure on luxury cars.
Amitabh Kant, former CEO of the Centre’s think tank NITI Aayog, proposed the cancellation of the tender in favor of Mahindra’s electric vehicles as a more suitable option for Lokpal.