Bengaluru: Managing Director of the state-run Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), Dr. P.K.M. Prashanth, has issued a strong rebuttal to allegations of corruption made by KR Pet MLA and Public Accounts Committee member H.T. Manju, calling the charges “completely baseless and misleading.”
The MLA had alleged that KSDL awarded a raw-material procurement tender to Karnataka Aromas, a company he claimed was blacklisted, thereby committing financial irregularities.
“Tender is fully transparent; company not blacklisted”
In an official clarification, Dr. Prashanth said Karnataka Aromas is not on any blacklist, and that the allegations misrepresent facts.
“Karnataka Aromas was declared innocent by the Lokayukta Court, which dismissed the complaint against them. The company is legally eligible to participate in government tenders,” he said.
He emphasised that the tender was processed strictly as per KTTP (Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement) rules, and the procedure remained fully transparent.
1,500 Pages of Records Submitted to PAC and Government
The MD said KSDL had already submitted extensive documentation on the procurement process to the Legislative Public Accounts Committee and to the government.
“On April 25, May 25, September 26, and again on November 27, KSDL provided nearly 1,500 pages of detailed information about raw material procurement,” he stated.
₹88 Crore Saved Through e-Reverse Auction
Defending the procurement method, Dr. Prashanth pointed out that sandalwood oil and other key materials were purchased through electronic reverse auction, a process designed to secure the lowest price.
“This mechanism alone has helped KSDL save ₹88 crore,” he said.
He added that although a few unsuccessful bidders had approached the court with “malicious intent,” the court had ruled in KSDL’s favour on October 9.
“Baseless allegations harming KSDL’s reputation”
The MD accused critics of attempting to tarnish the organisation’s image.
“These unsubstantiated allegations are damaging the reputation of a prestigious state enterprise. KSDL categorically rejects these claims,”
Dr. Prashanth stated.
The PSU maintains that all its procurement activities have followed due process, and no irregularities have taken place.
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: KSDL ಟೆಂಡರ್ ಹಗರಣ ಆರೋಪಕ್ಕೆ ವ್ಯಸ್ಥಾಪಕ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕ ಪ್ರತಿಕ್ರಿಯೆ: “ಆಧಾರರಹಿತ ಆರೋಪ, ಟೆಂಡರ್ ಪ್ರಕ್ರಿಯೆ ಪಾರದರ್ಶಕ”
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