Energy Minister Nirmal Kumar meets 1,000 contractors, pledges end to favoritism in tenders

Press Release Contractors complained that in the previous administration major TANGEDCO works were awarded only to a single individual/company. Going forward, works will be awarded to all eligible companies on the basis of transparent administration, assures Hon'ble Minister for Energy, Resources and Law Thiru C.D.R. Nirmal Kumar. A review meeting on transparent administration and prevention of malpractices was held today (25.05.2026) at the Chennai Marina Arena, chaired by Hon'ble Minister for Energy, Resources and Law Thiru C.D.R. Nirmal Kumar, with about 1,000 people including contractors, electrical equipment suppliers, vendors and procurement personnel associated with the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board. More than 1,000 contractors attended the meeting and raised their professional grievances and concerns about prevailing practices in TANGEDCO before the Minister. Speaking at the meeting, the Minister said: "In this short period since the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu assumed office, several reform measures have been undertaken to eliminate malpractices that had prevailed in the power sector. Tenders that were irregularly awarded in the past are being reviewed, and new, transparent tender procedures are being introduced. Separate committees are being set up in every wing of the electricity department, and a transparent tender system will be implemented through a digital portal. Equal opportunity will be given to all eligible parties. Under this administration, there is no place for middlemen or malpractice. Steps are being taken to reduce the gap between the administration and companies. Efforts have begun to rescue the electricity sector, which currently operates under a debt burden of Rs.2.50 lakh crore, from losses and transform it into a profitable organisation. The practice of awarding tenders favouring individuals or a particular company will no longer continue. Transparent tenders will be awarded to all contractors purely on merit. Malpractices that occurred in the past in works such as electric poles have been identified. Henceforth, works will be awarded only to eligible and competent companies. Steps will be taken to release payments to companies that have completed works without delay. Work is under way to set up dedicated committees for green energy projects including solar and wind power. Applications will be invited in a transparent manner and opportunities given to eligible parties. Within another year, comprehensive reforms will be carried out in the power sector, losses will be reduced, and it will be transformed into a well-run and prosperous department," the Minister said. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary and TANGEDCO Chairman Dr. Se. Radhakrishnan, IAS; Energy Department Principal Secretary Thiru Anil Meshram, IAS; Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation, Thiru T.G. Vinay, IAS; Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Generation Corporation, Thiru Ma. Govinda Rao, IAS; Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Transmission Corporation, Thiru T. Sivakumar, IAS; and other directors. Issued by: Director, Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Chennai-9