Controversial Managing Director of Andhra Pradesh Medtech Zone (AMTZ) Dr. Jitendra Sharma seems to be embroiled in allegations of irregularities in the PM Care Fund. The case is related to the purchase of an oxygen concentrator in the deadly second wave of the Covid Pandemic. It is alleged that Sharma bought oxygen concentrators from two such companies, who did not follow the quality and norms. But deliberately no action was taken against them in time. Due to a well-thought-out strategy, the action against a company was delayed to such an extent that the company was able to get a stay against AMTZ.
The matter is related to PM Care Fund
Dr. Jitendra Sharma who overturned two decisions of the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh in just two months, seems to be embroiled in a new controversy. This time the matter is related to the purchase made from the PM Care Fund. It is alleged that he tried to misuse the PM Care Fund by breaking rules during deadly second wave of Corona. At that time when people suffering from infection were dying due to lack of oxygen, at that time many corrupt bureaucrats were looking for ways to earn illegal money.
What happened?
Actually ONGC had made an agreement to buy 12 thousand oxygen concentrators through AMTZ. If sources are to be believed, the order for this purchase from the PM Care Fund was to be given to only one company. It is alleged that Dr. Jitendra Sharma, taking undue advantage of his position, gave the contract to buy two thousand oxygen concentrators out of 12 thousand to two different companies. During testing in December 2021, the oxygen concentrators provided by both the companies failed in quality. So ONGC refused to buy them.
Companies created pressure
As per the sources, after ONGC’s refusal, both the companies refused to take back their own faulty oxygen concentrators. Both these companies made it clear to a top official of AMTZ that if they face any kind of loss, they will publicly reveal the entire truth. Thus, no action was deliberately taken against both the companies at that time.
Assured to Save
According to AMTZ sources, both the companies were assured that they would not suffer any loss. Surprisingly, AMTZ also paid the full amount i.e. about Rs 13.40 crore directly and indirectly to both the companies for the low quality oxygen concentrator without any deduction. Not only this, despite manufacturing and supply of cheap oxygen concentrators, action against the companies was not initiated deliberately for several months.
Andhra Pradesh government lost crores
AMTZ paid about 1.5 crore rupees for substandard concentrator with the money of Andhra Pradesh government. Whereas due to the tag of PM Care being attached to them, they cannot be sold or absorbed through any other means.
Accused company took a stay order
Sources reveal that AMTZ took action against a company. But due to delay it easily succeeded in beating AMTZ. Due to the deliberate lapses in the action taken by AMTZ, the accused company took a stay order from the court against the action.
Jitendra Sharma did not answer
In this case, an attempt was also made to know the stand of Dr. Jitendra Sharma, Managing Director of AMTZ but he denied giving any answer to for the allegation.
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