Forest Department Scraps Procurement Exercise Following Controversy

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, June 11, 2026

The Forest Department has withdrawn a procurement exercise in Kailashahar after questions were raised over the procedure followed in the selection process.

Sub-Divisional Forest Officer Shubham Das confirmed that the exercise had been cancelled, but clarified that the decision was taken after scrutiny of the submitted documents and was not linked to the allegations levelled by Congress MLA Birajit Sinha.

According to departmental officials, the process related to the procurement of materials and not the awarding of any specific work contract. Twelve contractors had submitted their applications.

Officials said that a review of the documents revealed technical shortcomings in all the applications, making it necessary to cancel the entire process.

The issue had sparked controversy after Sinha alleged that procurement involving expenditure exceeding Rs 5 lakh should be conducted through an online tendering system. He further claimed that prescribed procedures were not followed and that certain contractors were being given undue advantage.

Refuting the allegations, the Forest Department maintained that all necessary rules were observed and that public notices regarding the procurement exercise had been issued through authorised channels.

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