Lokpal wants 7 high-end BMW cars worth Rs 70 lakh each, floats tenders

The Lokpal of India wants to buy seven high-end BMW Cars worth nearly Rs 70 lakh each and has floated an official tender for the same. CNN-NEWS18 has now accessed a copy of this tender document that is dated October 16.

The Lokpal presently is a seven-member body with a chairperson and six other members. “The Lokpal of India invites open tenders from reputed Agencies for supply of seven BMW 3 Series 330 Li Cars to the Lokpal of India," says the document, specifying the model required as Sport (Long Wheelbase) and in white colour.

The market on-road price of the said car is around Rs 70 lakh, taking the total cost of seven cars to almost Rs 5 crore. The Lokpal wants these cars delivered at its office in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj Institutional Area within preferably two weeks but not later than 30 days from the date of issuing of the supply order by Lokpal.

As per the BMW website, the new BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase was launched in India earlier this year and it is the longest car in its segment with the most spacious second seat row. “The most luxurious rear seat experience with the longest wheelbase in this segment," says the BMW website about this latest car.

The Lokpal of India is the first institution of its kind established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013 to inquire and investigate into allegations of corruption against public functionaries who fall within the scope and ambit of the above Act. The ‘Lokpal’ consists of a chairperson and eight Members out of whom four are Judicial Members. The salary, allowances, and other conditions of service of the Chairperson are the same as those of the Chief Justice of India. The salary, allowances, and other conditions of service of the Members are the same as those of a Supreme Court Judge.

The selected vendor or firm shall also be required to conduct a comprehensive practical and theoretical training programme for the drivers and other designated staff members of the Lokpal of India to ensure efficient, safe, and optimal operation of the BMW vehicles supplied, the document says. The training shall be conducted for a minimum duration of seven days and is to be completed within 15 days from the date of delivery of vehicles. The exact schedule shall be finalised in consultation with the Lokpal of India.