Published Sep 15, 2026 | 2:52 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 15, 2026 | 2:52 PM
Arappor Iyakkam said the completed Ashoka Pillar project was inaugurated on 29 July, eight days before the tender notice was published.
Synopsis: Alleging irregularities in the installation of the Ashoka Pillar and Save Water concept statue, Arappor Iyakkam demanded the immediate suspension of Tambaram Corporation Commissioner S. Balachandran, a departmental inquiry, criminal proceedings by the DVAC, a halt to bill payments, blocklisting the contractors involved, and greater transparency in the tender process.
Arappor Iyakkam, a people’s movement, has lodged a complaint with the Tamil Nadu government and the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), alleging tender irregularities and pre-fixing of two works in the Tambaram City Municipal Corporation.
The NGO alleged that two tenders for projects worth a combined ₹45.9 lakh were executed and inaugurated even before the tender process was completed. It alleged that the works were awarded to pre-determined contractors in violation of the Tamil Nadu Transparency in Tenders Act.
According to the complaint, the first tender, worth ₹27.3 lakh, was for installing an Ashoka Pillar statue and carrying out landscaping and beautification works at the Perungalathur Bridge Roundana.
The tender notice was published on 8 August 2026, with bids opening on 24 August. However, Arappor Iyakkam said the completed project was inaugurated on 29 July, eight days before the tender notice was even published.
The second tender, worth ₹18.6 lakh, concerned installing a Save Water concept statue and carrying out landscaping and beautification works at Chitlapakkam Roundana. The tender was published on 6 August, with the bid opening scheduled for 24 August. The statue was reportedly completed and unveiled on 10 August.
Arappor Iyakkam also alleged that the tender portal continued to show both tenders as “To be opened” despite the scheduled bid-opening date having passed, which it claimed prevented public scrutiny of the bidders and tender status.
The organisation has sought the immediate suspension of Tambaram Corporation Commissioner S. Balachandran, a departmental inquiry, criminal proceedings by the DVAC, stoppage of bill payments, blacklisting of the contractors concerned, and greater transparency in the tender process.
