KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Saturday granted permission to the state government to disburse funds to buy cycles for Scheduled Caste students under the Vidya Yatra Scheme. Justice C K Abdul Rahim passed the interim order while considering a petition filed by Safari Bikes Ltd challenging the state government’s decision to cancel the tender awarded to the authorised dealer of the company and to provide Rs 3,000 each to eligible students. The court had earlier stayed an order passed by the state government to grant financial aid for the SC students to buy cycles under the scheme. Advocate General K P Dandapani, appearing for the government, submitted that the demand drafts drawn to disburse the funds cannot be distributed owing to the stay order. Considering the submission, the court issued the directive. The petitioner argued that the state’s decision will result in additional public expenditure of over Rs 2.50 crore. The petitioner had tendered for the supply of cycles for students and were the lowest bidders. But the state, without awarding the contract, negotiated with the higher bidder, the petitioner alleged. Complaints were made against the officials to the Chief Minister. However, the state cancelled the tenders and decided to give Rs 3,000 each to eligible students, the petitioner pointed out.
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