‘3 Firms, One Address’: Babulal Marandi alleges irregularities in Jharkhand Health Department tenders, demands probe

Former Chief Minister and BJP leader Babulal Marandi has written to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, alleging serious irregularities in the Health Department’s tendering process.

Marandi claims that 11 tenders issued between December 2024 and 2025 under the GEM portal were awarded to just three companies—Hind Infraproject Pvt. Ltd, Bharat Art & Supplier, and Global Arts & Suppliers—all reportedly registered at the same Ranchi address and with directors from the same family.

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He noted that the bids submitted by these firms showed only minor differences in rates, suggesting predetermined pricing.

Some directors were listed across multiple companies simultaneously, which, according to Clause 29 of the GEM portal rules, should have led to automatic disqualification. Marandi also alleged that attempts by other firms to participate were blocked on technical grounds.

Demanding a thorough investigation, he said, “An FIR be registered and a high-level, impartial probe initiated to examine the allegations.”
He emphasised that the issue raises concerns not only the financial irregularities but also governance and procedural transparency in the state.

Marandi further alleged that the three firms “may be shell companies created to channel benefits to influential individuals linked to the Health Minister”. Payments made to these firms, he claimed, were “significantly higher than market rates, indicating potential misuse of public funds”.

The Chief Minister’s office has not responded to the letter while the officials of the Health Department have declined to comment.

The GEM portal is the government’s online procurement platform designed to ensure transparency and competitive bidding. Clause 29 of the portal’s guidelines specifies that firms with shared directors should be disqualified to prevent conflicts of interest.

These allegations raise serious questions over ministerial oversight and procedural compliance in awarding state contracts in Jharkhand.