Maharashtra sidesteps centre rules, opts for costlier Chinese imports

The directorate of vocational education and training (DVET) in Maharashtra has imported LCD interactive panels from BenQ, a Chinese company, despite the government’s promotion of Made-in-India products. The DVET tender required certification that most Indian manufacturers do not have, but the imported panels did not meet this requirement. The price paid for each panel was allegedly far above the average rate. The DVET placed the order on the GEM portal, which does not allow products from China. DVET director Digambar Dalvi denies any wrongdoing, stating that the technical committee approved the order.