Shillong: The All Meghalaya Contractors and Suppliers Association is pushing the state government to scrap the current tender for the new Upper Shillong veterinary hospital. They want the project broken into smaller, separate packages. This would let local firms handle specific tasks like roadwork, drainage, and building staff quarters.
AMCSA president Precious Sumer says the current single-tender model locks local experts out. He claims many indigenous contractors have the right skills but lack the scale for a massive contract. The group argues that splitting the work builds a fairer field and keeps money inside the state. They want a new, more accessible bidding system.
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister Sanbor Shullai is not budging. He maintains the open tender process is fair and refuses to stop it. He told the association to stop asking for a withdrawal and submit their bids like everyone else. "The association submitted a representation to me seeking cancellation of the tender. However, I cannot give any assurance on cancelling or not cancelling it because the open tender has already been issued," Shullai said.
The minister rejects claims that the deal is rigged for specific bidders. He insists that the tender committee will decide the winner based on the rules. Eligible contractors should compete on their merits. For now, the bidding continues as planned.
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