Tipra Motha MLAs, MDCs Submitted Memorandum to Chief Engineer, PWD Alleging Discrimination Against TTAADC-Enlisted Contractors

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, May 12, 2026

A major controversy has surfaced over the participation rights of contractors enlisted under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) in Tripura’s Public Works Department (PWD) tenders. Several Tipra Motha MLAs and MDCs of Tripura have jointly submitted a memorandum to the Chief Engineer of PWD (R&B), Government of Tripura, demanding immediate withdrawal of the recently imposed restrictions on TTAADC-enlisted contractors and restoration of their eligibility in PWD tenders.

The memorandum alleges that contractors holding valid enlistment licenses from the TTAADC administration were earlier allowed to participate in PWD (R&B) tenders floated by the Government of Tripura. However, according to the representatives, their participation rights have recently been curtailed without any prior notification or proper explanation.

The issue gained fresh attention after a recent e-tender floated by the Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B), Khowai Division, excluded TTAADC-enlisted contractors from the eligibility criteria.

The disputed tender, issued under D’NIe-T No. 83/CE/PWD(R&B)/ACE(P&DU)/2025-26 dated February 17, 2026, relates to strengthening of road from Borker to Belcherra Bazar under Padmabil RD Block / SH: GSB, WBM, Carpeting, CD and other allied works.

The estimated project cost has been fixed at Rs.3,86,51,109.64 with a completion period of 180 days. The earnest money requirement is Rs.7,73,022, and the last date for submission of bids is March 3, 2026.

The tender document mentions eligibility for contractors registered with PWD, CPWD, MES, Railway and other government organizations, but TTAADC enlistment was reportedly omitted from the list.

In support of their demand, the MLAs and MDCs attached an earlier tender document issued by the same Khowai Division of PWD (R&B).

That earlier tender, bearing DNIT No. 116/SE-II/PWD(R&B)/2024-25, related to development of road from Kalyan Manik to Dalan Tilla (L=1.20 Km) under during the year 2024-25 / SH: GSB, WBM, PMC, Pucca drain protection work etc.

The estimated cost of that project was Rs.1,45,56,809, and importantly, the eligibility clause had specifically allowed contractors registered with PWD, TTAADC, MES, CPWD, Railway and other government organizations to participate.

The memorandum argues that the sudden exclusion of TTAADC contractors from current tenders contradicts previous government practices and raises concerns over fairness and equal opportunity in public procurement.

The representatives stated that many contractors obtained valid licenses from the TTAADC administration after fulfilling all legal formalities and had successfully completed government works in the past to the satisfaction of concerned authorities.

The memorandum further claims that several tenders already submitted by TTAADC contractors are presently lying pending at different administrative stages, causing uncertainty and hardship within the contractor community of ADC areas.

According to the signatories, the abrupt restriction has created massive grievance among contractors in TTAADC areas and adversely affected competitive bidding processes.

The memorandum urged the Chief Engineer to sympathetically review the matter and issue necessary clarification/orders allowing valid enlisted contractors of TTAADC to participate in PWD (R&B) DNITs as before.

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