'Lokpal or luxury-pal?' Anti-corruption watchdog under fire for ₹5 crore BMW 3 series tender

Anti-corruption watchdog Lokpal's move to get seven high-end BMW cars for its operations hasn't gone down well with the public, with many questioning the achievements of the body in fighting graft. Cumulatively worth approx. Rs 5 crore, the BMW cars are reportedly for the use of Lokpal members. 

 

The tender floated by Lokpal read, "The Lokpal of India invites open tenders from reputed agencies for supply of seven BMW 3 series 330Li cars to the Lokpal of India." The anti-graft agency has specifically asked for white colour 'M Sport' variant with 'long wheelbase'. According to the BMW website, the ex-showroom price of the vehicle is Rs 60.45 lakh.

 

The anti-corruption body currently has seven members, including a chairman and six members -- against its sanctioned strength of eight.

 

The successful bidder is also required to provide a comprehensive practical, and theoretical seven-day training programme for the drivers and other designated staff members of the Lokpal of India to ensure efficient, safe and optimal operation of the BMW vehicles supplied.

 

The training shall also cover "basic troubleshooting and interpretation of dashboard indicators", "emergency response and safety protocols" and "use of infotainment and in-vehicle electronic systems", PTI reported, quoting the tender documents. 

 

However, netizens questioned the anti-corruption watchdog's decision to get the luxury vehicles. Many also questioned the anti-graft body's success in preventing widespread corruption. 

 

Sushil Garg tweeted, "Lokpal or Luxury-pal? The very body meant to watch corruption now wants ₹70-lakh BMWs for itself — 7 of them! That’s ₹5 crore of taxpayers’ money for 'public servants' to ride in style. When the watchdog wants royal rides, who will watch the watchdog?"

 

 

Supreme Court lawyer and one of the prominent faces of the Lokpal protest, Prashant Bhushan, also questioned the move. "The institution of Lokpal has been ground to dust by the Modi govt, by keeping it vacant for many years & then appointing servile members who are not bothered by graft & are happy with their luxuries. They are now buying 70L BMW cars for themselves!" he tweeted.

India