Woollens to schools kids only by Feb: MCD

In spite of a noticeable drop in temperatures, the MCD thinks it’s too early to give winter uniforms to children in its schools.

In spite of a noticeable drop in temperatures, the MCD thinks it’s too early to give winter uniforms to children in its schools. Like every winter, children will have to wait till February to get their uniforms.

The MCD is supposed to provide pullovers to school kids every winter. However, each year, the long tendering process ensures that uniforms are available only after winters.

“When the Congress was in-charge of the MCD, the tendering process did not start before March. This year we managed to get the issue on the table in October,” said MCD Chairman Standing Committee Vijender Gupta, claiming the BJP has managed to do better than the Congress.

Story continues below this ad

“The Education Department got just one bidder this time, a private supplier who was quoting a rate much higher than the market price. We had to send it back to get new rates,” Gupta said.

The Education Department, meanwhile, is going through the process of floating tenders afresh to collect new rates from various suppliers. “We are in the process of collecting fresh tenders. The process is on and we shall try to submit it to the Standing Committee at the earliest,” said an officer of the Education Department on condition of anonymity. He added that it will take not less than three months for the children to get their winter uniforms.

Last month, a team of MCD staff was sent to Jalandar to study prices. The team will bring its report to the Standing Committee and only after that purchases will be made.

“We are maintaining extra caution while making the purchases at the best rates possible, so that later the Opposition does not raise finger at us,” said Gupta.

Trump vows to keep ‘massive’ tariffs on India until Russian oil imports cease

World2 hr ago

President Trump spoke with Prime Minister Modi about India's continued purchases of Russian oil, warning that if they don't stop, tariffs on Indian goods will remain high. However, India denies any conversation took place and defends its energy policy. While the US claims India has halved its Russian oil purchases, Indian sources say there has been no immediate reduction.

View all shorts

Live Blog

PHOTOS