Regulatory Bodies of Tendering in India

In India, the regulatory framework for tendering, especially in the public sector, is governed by various laws, rules, and bodies to ensure transparency, fairness, and efficiency.

1. Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)

 CVC is a central government body responsible for monitoring all vigilance activities under the Central Government of India, advising various authorities in central government organizations in planning, executing, reviewing, and reforming their vigilance work. It plays a crucial role in setting guidelines for public procurement to prevent corrupt practices.

2. Competition Commission of India (CCI)

CCI is a statutory body responsible for enforcing the Competition Act, 2002, throughout India. It ensures that market competition is not distorted or impeded. While not directly involved in the tendering process, CCI ensures that the practices in procurement do not create anti-competitive environments.

3. Ministry of Finance, Government of India

Ministry of Finance issues various directives and guidelines regarding public procurement and financial management, which are relevant to the tendering process. This includes guidelines on procurement policies, financial rules, and budgetary allocations.

4. Public Procurement Portal (e–Procurement)

Managed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), the e-Procurement portal is an online platform for the Government of India and State Government entities for procurement of goods and services. The portal ensures transparency, efficiency, and ease of access to tender documents and bidding processes.

5. Government e-Marketplace (GeM)

GeM is an online marketplace launched by the Government of India for online procurement of goods and services by various government departments, organizations, and public sector units. It aims to enhance transparency, speed, and efficiency in public procurement.

6. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India

The CAG audits all receipts and expenditure of the Government of India and the state governments, including those bodies and authorities substantially financed by the government. The CAG plays a crucial role in auditing the tendering and procurement processes to ensure they are conducted in an efficient and transparent manner.

7. State Government Departments and Local Bodies

Each state in India has its own set of rules and bodies governing the tendering process at the state and local levels. This includes Public Works Departments, Municipal Corporations, and other local bodies engaged in procurement.

Regulatory Frameworks and Guidelines

• The General Financial Rules (GFR), 2017:

Provide a broad framework governing public procurement.

• Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India), Order 2017:

Promotes manufacturing and production of goods and services in India.

• Manual for Procurement of Goods, 2017:

Issued by the Ministry of Finance to guide procurement processes.