National Consumer Cooperative Federation NCCF is in news after a CBI Inquiry was ordered by the Ministry of
Consumer Affairs. The matter relates to the year 2010 when NCCF participated in the tendering process of Andhra Pradesh power generation (AP Jainco).
Chairman of NCCF, Mr Virendra Singh and the then Managing Director Mr Gupta along with senior advisor Mr Singhal are under the scanner. The matter relates to supplying coal to AP Jainco which is Andhra government power generation unit.
Participating in the tender process, NCCF did some “smart acts” which came to the notice of NCCF Chief Vigilance Officer Mr K S Bariyar who prepared a report and sent it to Ministry CVO Mr Kakekar who is reputed to be an officer of high integrity.
Ministry CVO made a strong case for CBI Inquiry in the matter and referred the same to the Minister Mr P J Thomas.Mr Thomas sat on the file for nearly one month. Perhaps sensing growing public impatience with cases of corruption across India, Minister finally sent it to CBI.
CBI has begun the enquiry in right earnest. Meanwhile, the MD Mr Gupta has quit NCCF and a new MD has taken over.
NCCF has been in news on account of its phenomenal success in managing the onion crisis in the country. With NAFED already reeling under tie-up losses and blatant corruption plaguing it, Government had popped up NCCF in the hope of creating an alternative to agri cooperative giant. But Chairman and his team seem to be on suicidal course with scores of scams dotting the horizon.
There is also news of scam in the appointments of senior officers in NCCF, advertisement for which had come first in the month of March,2011.After dilly-dallying it is fixed for July 15 now. It is said that candidates have already been selected and Indian.cooperative .com has a list of those whose name would finally be published as successful candidates.
Attempt to contact the Chairman Mr Virendra Singh on Monday through phone and SMS to gather his reaction was met with no response.
The procurement of office supplies compulsorily for Govt. departments via NCCF is a scam of he highest proportions. Most of the stuff is overpriced and substandard with many dubious suppliers. Wonder how can this happen under the very nose of the central govt.
A through CAG audit need to be done.