Ahmedabad Civil Hospital Security Tender Sparks Allegations of Favouritism

Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital has come under scrutiny over its latest tender for security services, with allegations that changes to the turnover, experience and manpower requirements could favour a particular agency and restrict competition.

The tender for providing security personnel at the Asarwa-based hospital for 2026–28 covers 448 male guards, 45 female guards and 30 supervisors.

Turnover Requirement Sees More than Five-Fold Rise

The minimum annual turnover requirement for participating agencies has zoomed up by ₹56.82 crore (an increase of roughly 437%). While the baseline for the previous tender—for the 2023–25 contract—was ₹13 crore, the one for the 2026–28 contract has been set at ₹69.82 crore.

The sharp increase has raised questions over whether the higher turnover threshold could exclude agencies that were eligible to participate in the previous tender and reduce the number of potential bidders, limiting competition among security agencies.

Questions have also been raised over the experience criteria specified in the latest tender.

Although the contract is for security services, agencies have reportedly been required to have experience in manpower supply as well. The additional requirement could also exclude otherwise eligible security agencies and favour a specific agency, observers allege.

Several agencies participated in the previous tender process. However, 48 companies were reportedly disqualified, leaving just four agencies in the final stage.

Civil Hospital Rejects Allegations

Civil Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi has rejected the allegations, stating that the tendering process was conducted in accordance with government policies and prescribed rules.

A pre-bid meeting was also held after the tender was issued. The hospital administration has maintained that the process is being carried out in accordance with the applicable norms.