PMC to stress quality

PUNE, Sept 1: In a significant move to arrest substandard development works, the Pune Municipal Corporation8217;s standing committee today decided to clear bills for works done by tenderers quoting more than 20 per cent below the estimated prices only after inspection of the work.

Members have realised that tenders submitted for development works in the past three or four months were quoting extremely low prices which would ultimately result in substandard work. Reasons of economic recession are being given. However this will definitely affect the quality of work, Ramesh Bodke, standing committee chairman, told media persons on Tuesday.

The slump in the economy has had contractors eager to get more work and pay off bank loans. They do not even mind taking the work on a no-profit no-loss basis, members said. The committee unanimously decided that the vigilance department would inspect all the works before clearing the bills, Bodke said.