A simple change in the contracting system for collection and cleaning of linen in the Indian Railways could result in bringing down the contract value by 48 per cent this year.

The change suggested was for the Railways to procure the eco-friendly brown packet, instead of including this in the overall contract.

This was one of case studies discussed at the Eighth anniversary celebrations of Vigilance Study Circle, which dwelt at length on ways to fight corruption and ensure cost savings, here on Friday.

It was revealed in the case study that the contracted price of the brown packet at certain zones was more than the washing price of hand-and-face towels. For example, in just one cashing depot, packets numbering about 80 lakh were procured in a single contract cycle for Rs 1.79 crore.

“Even between different railway units, the cost of these paper packets varied from Rs 2.25 to Rs 2.45 and Rs 2.65, while in another zone the same item was purchased for Rs 0.94 each.

If the Railways were to procure these packets and deliver them to the coaching depots, the net saving in one depot alone will be Rs 1.03 crore for one contract cycle,” according to the report.

Non-collection of maintenance charges for interconnection facilities of private power developers and use of sub-standard grade roofing sheets in construction of bloom caster shop in a steel plant were some of the other case studies discussed.

Setting the tone for the discussions, Mr E.S.L. Narasimhan, the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, said: “Let us not take pride in claiming that India is one of the most corrupt nations. It is not.”

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