Gorakhpur: A financial audit has raised serious concerns over payments made for biomedical waste disposal at Baba Raghav Das (BRD) Medical College in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. According to the audit report, the college administration continued assigning the work to the same private firm without issuing a fresh tender from June 2019 onwards and paid the firm approximately ₹2.43 crore during this period. The report questions the procurement process and highlights concerns regarding transparency and adherence to public contracting norms.
The audit, which reviewed financial transactions for the period from April 2022 to March 2023, found that the biomedical waste disposal contract had continued with the same agency for several years. Auditors questioned why the work was repeatedly extended without inviting fresh competitive bids after the original contract had expired.
According to the report, instead of initiating a new tender process after June 2019, the institution allegedly continued granting extensions to the existing contractor. The audit observed that such a practice could undermine competitive bidding and raise concerns about transparency, fairness and compliance with government procurement procedures.
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The auditors also questioned the payment structure adopted under the contract. The report sought clarification on the rationale for applying a uniform rate to different categories of biomedical waste, including hazardous medical waste, general waste, pathology waste and other categories. Typically, the collection, transportation and scientific disposal costs vary depending on the type of biomedical waste involved.
Another concern highlighted in the audit relates to the contractual terms governing service quality and accountability. The report asked why the agreement reportedly lacked adequate penalty provisions for deficiencies in service, delays or violations of contractual conditions. Auditors noted that such safeguards are generally considered essential to ensure accountability in government contracts.
Responding to the audit observations, BRD Medical College Principal Dr. Dharmendra Kumar said the matter was not previously brought to his notice. He acknowledged that continuing work for an extended period without a fresh tender was not appropriate. He stated that the college administration has decided to initiate a phased tendering process for all pending contracts and that directions have been issued to complete the necessary procurement procedures over the next three to four months.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said transparency in procurement, contract management and public expenditure is critical for government institutions. He noted that digital e-tendering platforms, e-procurement systems, audit trails and proper electronic record management play an important role in ensuring accountability. According to him, whenever a contract is repeatedly extended without competitive bidding, financial audits, document verification and digital record analysis should be undertaken to objectively examine whether procurement rules have been followed. He added that strict adherence to established procurement procedures is essential to safeguard public funds and maintain institutional transparency.
At present, the matter remains under administrative review based on the audit observations. No investigating agency has officially confirmed any financial wrongdoing or criminal liability. Authorities have indicated that the audit findings, contractual records and payment documents will be examined further, and any administrative or legal action, if warranted, will depend on the outcome of the review.
