India, July 27 -- Why would a state power utility keep competitively awarded contracts worth hundreds of crores in limbo while simultaneously pursuing fresh procurement through another route that complainants claim is significantly more expensive?

That is the central question emerging from a detailed representation submitted against the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited's (PSPCL) smart meter procurement programme under the Centre's Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).

The representation, supported by tender documents, comparative price analyses, and correspondence, has sought an independent investigation into PSPCL's procurement decisions, alleging possible financial loss to the exchequer, deviations from the approved procur...