Bihar Dustbin Scam: The Patna High Court is hearing a PIL over alleged irregularities in the purchase of waste disposal equipment for government hospitals in Bihar. The petition claims that some items were bought at prices much higher than their reported market rates.
The case was filed by Kaushalesh Kumar. Senior advocate Sanjeev Kumar Mishra appeared for the petitioner. The matter concerns purchases made through the Bihar Medical Services and Infrastructure Corporation Limited (BMSICL).
The allegations are still before the court and haven’t been proved. The state government’s response is expected to give more details about the purchases and prices.
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PIL Raises Questions Over Dustbin Prices
According to the petition, BMSICL had invited a tender for 75-liter and 45-liter microwave dustbins. The tender also covered 75-liter and 45-liter biodegradable bags used for waste disposal in state hospitals.
A Lucknow-based company was given the contract. The petitioner’s lawyer told the court that the prices mentioned in the procurement were much higher than the market prices cited in the PIL.
The petition claims that a 75-liter microwave dustbin was purchased for ₹15,490. Its reported market price was around ₹1,550. A 45-liter dustbin was bought for ₹11,474, while its reported market price was around ₹1,162.50.
The same issue was raised about the waste bags. A 75-liter biodigestible bag was reportedly purchased for ₹98, although its cited market price was ₹8.50. A 45-liter bag was purchased for ₹69 against a reported market price of ₹6.75.
PIL Claims Purchases Worth Around ₹307 Crore
The petition says 57 purchase orders were issued between June 2024 and April 18, 2026. Seven companies reportedly took part in the tender process.
According to the allegations, the four products were purchased for around ₹307 crore, including 18% GST. The petition also referred to quotations from four companies which put the total value of the same items at around ₹29 crore, including 18% GST.
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A recent report on the allegations also noted that the price difference needs to be checked against the exact product specifications and whether factors such as transportation, installation or warranty were included.
The court is now waiting for the Bihar government to explain the procurement process and respond to the allegations. The case is expected to come up again in November 2026.
