99.8%,99.98%,69.43%: Balakrishna’s stake in three firms; tender violates instructions. Uttarakhand government floated a tender in 2022 to promote adventure tourism in the scenic George Everest Estate.
Rajas Aerosports and Adventures Pvt Ltd was awarded the tender, company records show that Balkrishna holds more than 99% stake in two: Prakriti Organics India Pvt Ltd (99.98%) and Bharuwa Agri Science Pvt Ltd (99.99%) who were the other competitors, while holding 69.43% in Rajas Aerospace and Adventures Pvt Ltd and signed letter of issue in 2023.
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The award flies in the face of an undertaking signed by bidders: “We hereby certify and confirm that in the preparation and submission of this bid, we have not acted in concert or in collusion with any other bidder or other person/s and also not done any act, deed or thing which is or could be regarded as anti-competitive”
The tender instructions in Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) says: “If the operator has engaged in corrupt or fraudulent practices in competing for or in executing the contract, the contract could be terminated.”
Officials Response
Amit Lohani, Deputy Director of the adventure tourism wing of the Tourism Department said: “The tender was open. Anyone could participate.” The government has received over Rs 5 Cr from the area. This amount is for the services provided as GST over the last two years. They wanted a warden who looks over the area, and Rajas does that.”
Col Ashivini Pundir, additional CEO (Adventure Sports), UTDB, said when the tender floated: “It is not collusion. These companies are independent entities.” You just give the highest bidder the tender and the bottom line is the company is valid and legal.
George Everest Estate is a park estate established by Sir George Everest in 1832. It is part of the Himalayan Darshan programme on gyrocopters. This allows activities like paragliding, bungee jumping, and rock climbing. People can also enjoy camping, helicopter operations, and hot air ballooning on 142 acres of land.
In 2022, Col Pundir wrote to then CEO and tourism Department Secretary Sachin Kurve. He proposed that the project be executed by Rajas Aerosports on a pilot basis for a year. This was to assess its feasibility. Records show that Uttarakhand govt has pushed to involve Rajas in more key projects. These projects include the four air safari project. They also involve the use of gyrocopters for the promotion of tourism.
Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) awarded Rajas Aerospace a project under State Air Connectivity Scheme. This was in addition to the George Everest project. The company was exempted from landing and parking charges for using the government helipad. Other private operators are charged Rs 5,000 per-seat-one way sortie, which is also funded by government.
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