Opposition leader urges probe into GBA’s ₹133‑crore waste‑management tender to ineligible firm

Opposition leader R. Ashok says a ₹133‑crore waste‑management contract of the Greater Bengaluru Authority was given to a private firm that did not satisfy the eligibility rules. The company reported a turnover of only about ₹3.34 crore in the 2023‑24 financial year, far below the ₹10 crore minimum stipulated in the tender document. Ashok claims the letter of acceptance was issued even after the Finance Department warned that the firm was ineligible. He points out that the security deposits for Packages 2 and 5 – ₹6.79 crore and ₹5.99 crore respectively – were waived. In addition, the authority failed to collect roughly ₹12.99 crore of extra security deposits from the same contractor. The opposition leader also notes that the tenders for 21 waste‑transfer station packages were floated without any identified land for the stations. Ashok questions why negotiations were not opened with other qualified bidders to drive down the contract price. He has asked the Lokayukta or another high‑level agency to investigate the matter and said he will write to the Chief Minister demanding cancellation of the award. Ashok further criticised the recent hike in waste‑collection charges imposed on bulk generators. ## Context The Greater Bengaluru Authority oversees planning and civic services for the Bangalore metro area, including solid‑waste operations. Allegations of irregularities in public contracts are typically examined by the state Lokayukta, an anti‑corruption watchdog.