Government orders fresh trial of bullet proof jackets

NEW DELHI - Scrapping earlier test reports, the home ministry Monday ordered a re-trial of bullet proof jackets for paramilitary troopers following media reports that the trials of the vests were fudged at a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) lab.

The ministry also recommended action against an accused DRDO official - DRDO joint director R.K. Verma - who conducted the previous tests.

The home ministry had earlier floated a tender for procuring 59,000 bullet proof jackets for the central paramilitary forces.

Verma was included in the tender evaluation committee.

Several complaints were received from different sources (about the tests). A CD purportedly containing conversations between Verma and one of the bidders was also received, a ministry statement said.

Verma is said to be claiming in the CD that the approved vendors have rigged the tender to jack up prices. He has also admitted in the CD that discrepancies existed during the tests.

Home Minister (P. Chidambaram) directed Dec 23, 2009, that the tender process shall be stayed and that the price bids shall not be opened until further orders.

The complaints and the CD have been examined and Verma has admitted that it was his voice on the CD, the statement said.

The bidders have been requested to submit fresh samples which shall be tested afresh.

Tender advisory and evaluation committees may be advised to maintain strict vigilance and ensure scrupulous adherence to the terms and conditions of the tender, the statement said.