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Key Points

The MP government has denied allegations of irregularities in the Dial 112 emergency service vehicle hiring. Officials clarified that 1200 vehicles were hired through proper tendering at Rs 972 crore for five years. The controversy began after Congress leader Digvijaya Singh wrote to the DGP alleging tendering process violations. The integrated emergency service launched in August replaces Dial 100 and combines multiple response systems under one number.

Key Points: MP Govt Denies Dial 112 Vehicle Hiring Irregularities

  • Government clarifies vehicles hired not purchased for emergency service
  • Monthly cost Rs 32-36K per vehicle including driver wages
  • Rs 174 crore allocated for vehicle maintenance over 5 years
  • Service replaces Dial 100 and integrates multiple emergency response systems
2 min read

MP govt denies irregularities in 'Dail 112' services, says false info shared on social media

Madhya Pradesh government clarifies Rs 972 crore Dial 112 vehicle hiring process after Congress leader Digvijaya Singh alleges tendering irregularities in emergency service.

"1200 vehicles have been hired through the tendering process, and it costs Rs 972 crore for a period of five years - Directorate of Press Information"

Bhopal, Sep 15

The Madhya Pradesh government claimed that misleading and false information is being shared on social media regarding the purchase of vehicles for the 'Dial 112' emergency response service launched in the state recently.

The Directorate of Press Information (DPR) of the Madhya Pradesh government, in a statement, clarified that vehicles (Bolero and Scorpio) were not purchased by the government but hired through a tendering process for the period of five years, not for one year.

"1200 vehicles have been hired through the tendering process, and it costs Rs 972 crore for a period of five years. As per the contract, the government will pay Rs 32,000 per month for one Bolero, while Rs 36,000 per month for one Scorpio. It also includes the monthly wages of around 500 drivers," it said.

The state government’s official fact-check stated that Rs 174 crore has been fixed for the maintenance of these 1,200 vehicles, which is under the total investment of Rs 972 crore. Notably, Dial-112' is the First Response Vehicles (FRVs) under the emergency service, which was launched (a total of 1200 vehicles were flagged off) by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav in the presence of DGP Kailash Makwana on August 14.

It has replaced the old version of the emergency service 'Dial 100'. In fact, other emergency services such as Ambulance, fire, women’s helpline, cybercrime, highway accident response, disaster relief, and child protection will operate through a single number - 'Dial 112'.

The controversy erupted after senior Congress leader and former CM Digvijaya Singh wrote a letter to Madhya Pradesh Director General of Police, Kailash Makwana, alleging some irregularities in the tendering process for the purchase of these vehicles.

In his letter to DGP Makwana on September 4, the veteran Congress leader mentioned that irregularities had occurred in the tendering process in the second phase of vehicles purchased under the project Dial 112 and demanded an inquiry into the allegation.

Digvijaya Singh had also mentioned that a question on irregularities in the tendering process has been raised by some public organisations, and they have also submitted documents.

In his letter, the Congress leader had also claimed that he had submitted a bundle of documents suggesting irregularities in the tendering process, and had demanded an investigation into the alleged irregularities.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Rs 32,000 per month for a Bolero seems quite high! Even with driver salary included, this looks expensive. The government should provide a detailed breakdown of costs so taxpayers can understand where our money is going.
S
Sarah B
Having a single emergency number for all services is a fantastic initiative. In many countries, this unified system works very well. Hope MP implements it properly without corruption.
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Vikram M
Both sides making claims. Congress says there are documents showing irregularities, government says it's false info. An independent audit would settle this matter once and for all. Transparency is key in public projects.
Aryan P
The important thing is that emergency services reach people faster. If Dial 112 can save lives better than Dial 100, then the investment is worth it. But maintenance costs must be monitored closely.
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Nisha Z
Why not use local MP-made vehicles instead of Mahindra? Would have supported state economy and maybe reduced costs. Government should prioritize local businesses in such large contracts.

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