Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 29: The Jammu Book-Sellers Association (JBSA) today expressed their serious concerns over the persistent challenges faced by local book suppliers and to demand a transparent, fair and uniform procurement process.
In this regard a meeting of JBSA with the book selection and purchase committee of the Dhanvantri Library, University of Jammu was held here today.
The delegation led by JBSA president Ruchi Chouhan Khan, met with Dr Vikram Singh Sahi, Incharge Librarian of Jammu University.
During the meeting, Ruchi pointed out that Jammu University spends lakhs of rupees annually on book procurement, with each department receiving earmarked grants for this purpose. However, in recent years, several departments have been following inconsistent and isolated procurement methods. These departments have been floating separate EOIs (Expressions of Interest) with varying conditions that often favor a select few vendors.
She further alleged that some departments are issuing supply orders only to hand-picked vendors while excluding others, regardless of their credibility.
Another major concern raised was the emergence of proxy firms, companies floated by some vendors to grab a larger share of supply orders under different names.
JBSA urged the university to ensure that orders are placed only with verified, genuine suppliers and advocated for a streamlined and uniform purchasing mechanism across all departments to prevent favoritism and confusion.
In response, Dr Vikram Singh Sahi assured the delegation that the concerns raised would be duly discussed with the relevant authorities.
He affirmed that steps would be taken to ensure a fair and balanced procurement system that accommodates the interests of all genuine vendors.
Among others, who were present during the meeting included Rakesh Kumar, Deepti Padmanaban, Nimmi Suri, Jasjeet Singh, Ashok Kumar, Dr Kusum Sharma, Vibhav Gupta, Nischal Anand, Sanjay Anand, Harbinder Singh, Narvinder Singh, I P Singh, Lutifur Azad, and Jaan Mohammad.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
